Mapujeme datovou galaxii na ČZU – Sumář
Abstract
Tento sumář přináší hlavní zjištění celouniverzitního šetření o správě výzkumných a studentských dat na ČZU, uskutečněného v roce 2025 mezi 227 respondenty. Zdůrazňuje problémy v oblasti kvality, bezpečnosti, ukládání a sdílení dat a formuluje doporučení na podporu otevřené vědy a principů FAIR na ČZU. * Updatovaná verze sumáře kvůli nefunkčnímu QR kódu na komplexní dokument *
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Mapping the Data Galaxy at CZU Key Findings Guidelines and Support As many as 85% of researchers call for unified procedures, guidance, and support from the university. Without clearly defined rules for data management, they often have to improvise. Data Quality and Security 30 % of researchers prefer to work with their own data, mainly due to concerns about the quality of external data and limited awareness of available repositories. The quality assurance and security of collected data are often insufficient. Advanced methods such as anonymisation or encryption are applied only rarely. Local Data Storage 52 % of researchers do not create any metadata, even though its contribution to science is essential. While 91% store data on multiple devices, they often choose insufficiently secure storage – such as portable media or personal computers. 22% do not create versions of their data, thereby exposing themselves to the risk of loss or theft . Rules for Sharing Data are shared mainly when strictly necessary. A systematic approach is lacking. Uncertainty regarding the handling of sensitive information prevents wider sharing – resulting in unused data that could otherwise be further applied. This document summarises the results of mapping research data management at CZU and serves as a basis for unifying rules, strengthening support, and further development in this field. At the turn of April and May 2025, an online survey was conducted among researchers working at CZU faculties and the IEC. The questionnaire consisted of 58 questions and was completed by 227 respondents. Plan Analyse Preserve Share Institutional Repositories 74 % of researchers would welcome a university repository. They wish to preserve their data securely and over the long term. Due to the lack of infrastructure, they currently resort to makeshift solutions. The mapping focused on the entire data lifecycle – from planning, through collection, processing and analysis, to preservation and potential sharing. The aim was to provide a clear description of everyday practice, the tools and repositories used, the level of available support, and the main barriers faced by researchers. Comprehensive Report Dataset Reuse Collect Process
81% of researchers have no rules for data management or are unaware of them. Coordination at the institutional level is missing. Only 6% of researchers create Data Management Plans; this remains an exceptional practice rather than a standardised scientific procedure. Researchers prefer online support – information on websites, training, videos, and consultations. 85% call for unified guidelines, support, and training. 67% of researchers combine various methods of verifying the quality of collected data. • 40 % of researchers do not protect their data during collection – often because they do not consider them sensitive •45 % restrict access to authorised persons •31 % use secure repositories •6 % anonymise data already at the point of collection •3 % use encryption 11% do not carry out any quality control during data collection. 52 % of researchers do not create metadata. Of those who do, 61% use no standardised formats. 91% of researchers store data on multiple devices, which indicates a positive trend in terms of backup. However, the chosen storage locations are not always secure. Collect 39% of researchers apply no specific security measures during the data collection process. Plan Process Analyse 22% of researchers do not create versions of their data. Numer of responses Methods of data security during collection Restricted access to data (autorised persons) No specific measures taken Data are stored only on secure storage sxstems Anonymization/Pseudonymization during collection Other Data are encrypted immediately 103 89 71 13 7 7 Plan
The main barriers to sharing include limited knowledge of procedures, concerns about data misuse, and the absence of central guidelines. This results in fragmented approaches and improvised solutions. ▪69 % of researchers archive inactive data on portable media ▪54 % use personal computers for archiving ▪65 % vuse university computers for archiving ▪Only 8% store data in specialised repositories Every second researcher stores data only on a local device without backup. 59 % of researchers have experience with data sharing – both as providers and as recipients. 89% of researchers share their active data. In contrast, the rate of sharing inactive data drops significantly – by as much as one third. Sharing is often driven by immediate need rather than by an open science strategy. Uchování Preserve Share Preserve 19 118 123 140 157 General repository Office 365 Personal computer University computer Portable media Number of responses Final data storage after the end of active work - not all categories are included Preserve Only 10% of researchers use more secure tools (e.g. CESNET services). Researchers predominantly keep data locally, as a central university repository is lacking. 74 % of researchers want a university repository. Main reasons include: ▪security (51 %) ▪long-term preservation (45 %) ▪technical support (38 %) ▪efficient data handling within the institution (35 %)
The Datanaut is setting out on a journey across the galaxy of research data. At each stop, it explores the key areas that need to be strengthened in order to make robust data management a standard practice of research at CZU. A small step for data. A giant leap for CZU. The Datanaut Embarks on a Data Mission! How to Support Data Management at CZU? Sound data management begins with understanding its importance. The university should provide flexible training that introduces all the essential principles of data management – from the FAIR principles, through metadata and security, to ethics and law, always with regard to disciplinary specificities. The purpose of a Data Management Plan is to make researchers’ work easier, not to burden them with unnecessary administration. Why Does This Matter? High-quality data management enhances research quality and strengthens trust, openness, and accountability. It is the foundation of excellent science and the key to success in an environment where the principles of open science are gaining increasing prominence. Whom to Turn to When Help is Needed? The DMCC and the network of faculty-based data stewards form the basic support structure. This needs to be further strengthened – both professionally and in terms of capacity. The role of data stewards will be key, directly supporting individual researchers and research teams. In this way, it will be possible to build a functioning ecosystem that responds to individual needs while promoting robust data management. How to Anchor Data Management in the University Culture? Researchers need clear rules. A necessary university directive should establish unified standards while allowing faculties to adapt them to disciplinary requirements. Attention should also be given to security, interoperability, and ethical as well as legal aspects. A crucial component is the development of a data platform for secure storage. Where Can I Store Data Safely? CZU should develop and expand its own repository for secure and long-term data storage. At the same time, it should encourage the use of trusted disciplinary repositories in line with established standards. Will Administrative Support Be Available? Researchers need tools that make their work easier – contract templates, informed consent forms, and practical guidance. These materials will reduce administrative burden and enhance the quality of research at CZU.