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Research Data Management

Data Storage Requirements

 

Data storage requirements should be managed across the complete data lifecycle as storage needs will differ at various stages of the research project, including:

  • storage for during active data collection/generation phase
  • storage for data analysis
  • storage on completion of the project
  • storage when data is published
  • storage for data reuse.

USC has developed a Research Data Management - Procedures, which state that:

  • where possible, all research data and related materials must be stored at USC
  • researchers must ensure that adequate backup, archival and monitoring strategies are in place to prevent the loss of research data
  • working files may be stored on an individual's computer hard drive, USC drive or personal laptop, but particular care must be taken to ensure that portable devices are not lost and they must be backed up to more secure storage daily if possible (but at least every 48-72 hours)
  • files within folders should be clearly named so that researchers/supervisors and appropriate delegated officers can find relevant documentation, spreadsheets, analysis and other data

Data Storage Options

USC provides a secure network drive (R Drive) for storage of research data, and is the preferred location for research projects undertaken at USC.

Allocated to individual researchers or research groups.

Benefits Limitations
  • available to USC users only (Note: the POI workflow may be able to be used to allow key external research partners access)
  • no direct allocation to students - research students on application through supervisor

How to access:

Access to R Drive storage is by completing a Research Data Management Plan.

Once an R Drive folder has been created, modifying user access and creating restricted sub-folders are done by completing the relevant form.

Local drives for USC staff and students include:

  • C:\
  • ScratchDrive (D:\)
Benefits Limitations
  • suitable only for short term storage of working copies of research data
  • in case of problems, can be remotely managed by IT Services
  • short term storage of working data - data should be backed up to another location regularly
  • local hard drives can fail 
  • not recommended for sensitive or confidential data
  • not migrated to a new PC

 

Removable storage devices include:

  • USB drives
  • external hard drives
  • CDs and DVDs
  • laptops.
Benefits Limitations
  • readily available and cheap to buy
  • not suitable for sensitive or confidential data, even if password protected
  • easily lost, misplaced or stolen
  • responsibility for security and backups lies with the owner/purchaser
  • longevity is questionable as drives are prone to failure and obsolescence
  • not suitable for long-term data storage, or storage of master copies of data files

 

      

Popular cloud storage options such as Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud and OneDrive are unsuitable for storing research data.

OneDrive for Business, provided to all USC staff, provides online storage space in the cloud as a convenient service to store, access and share files and documents.  

USC staff should read the Online File/Cloud Storage - Guidelines (USC staff login required) before using cloud storage to ascertain if it is appropriate to use.

Features:

  • all USC staff get 1TB storage allocation
  • integration with Microsoft Office
  • access files across IOS, OSX, Windows and Android
  • supported product by the University (Dropbox and other commercial cloud storage platforms are not supported by the University)
Benefits Limitations
  • cloud service
  • data can be accessed remotely
  • suitable for collaboration and sharing with external research partners
  • integrated with your USC login identity
  • not suitable for research data
  • data not likely stored in Australia so possible sovereignty issues
  • not suitable for sensitive or confidential data
  • not suitable for long-term data storage, or storage of master copies of data files
  • shared content not able to be synced

What is not suitable to be stored on OneDrive

  • research data
  • confidential infomation (e.g. PPR documents of employees, restricted committee papers)
  • restricted information (e.g. student information, personal infomration, passwords)

 

 

Cloudstor makes collaborating and sharing files easy for Australian researchers.  Provided by AARNet, the same providers of the Eduroam wireless network across Australia, it is a secure alternative to popular commercial cloud storage provides such as Dropbox and Google Drive.

Features:

  • 1TB free storage for individual researchers at Australian research institutions
  • quick and secure file transfer
  • single sign on using USC credentials
  • storage is located in Australia, thereby avoiding any sovereignty issues
  • data is replicated a minimum of three times at geographically distributed storage nodes
  • sync clients available for Windows, Mac, OSX, Linus, iOS and Android
  • upload datasets from scientific instruments with CloudStor Rocket upload tool

Researchers that usc CloudStor are reminded to regularly back up their files to the USC R Drive in order to comply with USC policy.

Benefits Limitations
  • cloud service
  • data can be accessed remotely
  • data can be shared with other research institution partners externally
  • located in Australia
  • data is secure and backed up automatically
    • mobile, desktop and web apps are available
  • not suitable for sensitive or confidential data as encryption only occurs during transmission
  • not suitable for long-term storage of working or archival data, or storage of master copies of data files

How to access:

USC researchers can access CloudStor directly.  Instructions on how to do this, as well as how to download the desktop client, are available  on the CloudStor website.

 

Managed by the Queensland Cyber Infrastructure Foundation (QCIF), QRIScloud is a large-scale cloud computing and data storage service offering a range of services for Queensland researchers.  Use of QRIS cloud is on merit, taking into account the data's research significance and its value to the wider research community.

Benefits Limitations
  • data storage for collections of national importance
  • collaborate with researchers nationally and internationally
  • integrate access to Queensland-based HPC facilities and specialised cloud services
  • access to a wide range of existing eResearch services, tools and applications
  • is merit based, so usage is on application

Further information:

For further information or to apply for QRISCloud storage, contact the ITServiceDesk@usc.edu.au 

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Subjects: Research

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