Research data repositories in the RDM cycle: challenges and strengths for curators/data stewards

Abstract

This paper is concerned with academic research data repositories, and their curators, in different locations across five global regions. Using an ad-hoc sample, we explore the roles of curators in research data repositories and their perceptions of skills and training, research data management (RDM) practices, and the limitations, strengths, and opportunities they encounter in relation to their work. In addition, the study examines the functions of academic research repositories and the extent to which FAIR principles are integrated into repository strategies. Our results show that while some repositories are operated by consortia of higher education institutions and research centers, in some countries research data repositories are still in their infancy, often with only a limited representation led by one institution. Moreover, curators encounter problems with how researchers submit datasets with unclear information for the reuse of the data. We argue that although data repositories are built to comply with FAIR principles, there is still a lot of work to be done in relation to training researchers on how to use data repositories.