Insights into research data management practices at ETH Zurich
A recent ETH Library survey from 2023 reveals key challenges in research data management (RDM), highlighting the need for support in selecting metadata standards and FAIR repositories, and emphasising the role of data stewards.
The ETH Library recently published a report which provides insights into the state of RDM knowledge and related practices at ETH Zurich. The report is based on the results from a survey conducted from November to December 2023 among ETH participants.
Key Challenges: Metadata and FAIR Repository Selection
The report unveils the need for continuous support in the selection of metadata and metadata standards for research data generated in a specific scientific field. Another key challenge for many researchers is the selection of discipline-specific data repositories that comply with the FAIR principles. Further support for selecting metadata (standards) and discipline-specific FAIR data repositories is currently under development. However, the report highlights once again that discipline-specific RDM expertise remains a key requirement among ETH researchers that cannot be fully fulfilled by the central ETH services. This underscores the importance of data stewards collaborating more closely with researchers to better meet their needs for RDM.
You can find the full report and accompanying dataset via the ETH Research Collection:
Report “Insights into RDM Practices at ETH Zurich in 2023 - Results and Perspectives”, external page https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000718041
Dataset “Datasets - Research Data Management survey at ETH in 2023”, external page https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000717292
Please reach out to us at with any questions regarding this report or RDM in general. We are happy to help you with your issue.