Overview: It’s been more than eighteen months since EPSRC’s data policy mandate came into force, and the joint Concordat on Open Research Data is in place with broad support and institutional guidelines to match. Across UK Higher Education, many systems have been refreshed, services established, and guidelines put in place. Research data, alongside its cousin research software, is finding its place in institutional and national catalogues as a ‘first-class citizen’ among the research outputs to which they are linked.

Views will vary as to how accurate a picture this paints. For some institutions it may be spot-on, but for others the RDM service still represents the ‘best endeavours’ of a handful of people, reliant on local contacts and peers in friendly institutions. Excellent systems are being put in place, against a rapidly evolving ecosystem including European and global research infrastructures. The need to connect more broadly and more deeply than ever is a common concern, even for institutions already operating ‘business-as-usual’ RDM services, and successfully engaging with depositors and re-users.

This event offers those responsible for research data services new opportunities to influence and be inspired by key developments, refresh their contacts, and share strategies and perspectives in an unbiased and platform-agnostic environment.

Challenges to be considered might include:
How will data repositories evolve and compete with CRIS, file sharing and related platforms?
What tools, strategies and workflows enable institutions to connect open data, safe sharing, and confidential collaboration – and manage the risks?
How can research data services connect with broader research infrastructures and information, engage with non-academic data sources, and promote reuse beyond the research audience?

Speakers and presentations

Confirmed speakers include representatives of:
- University of Southampton
- University of Newcastle upon Tyne
- University of Glasgow
- Elsevier / Pure
- Maverick Publishing Specialists

The full agenda will be made available soon, and will be announced via the usual mailing lists and social media channels (including Twitter, below.)

Amplification: We will use the hashtag #rdmf16

Feedback: we always welcome your feedback on our events to help us improve future sessions. Please take a moment to complete our short feedback form.
Costs and Registration

Registration is now open via the University of Edinburgh's ePay system

(N.B. please ensure that you click all the way through to the "confirm order" screen. You will receive on-screen and email confirmation that your booking is successful. If you don't receive the email, please get in touch via info@dcc.ac.uk)

The delegate registration price of £255 includes overnight bed and breakfast accommodation at the Hilton, a drinks reception and all meals.

These events tend to fill up well in advance, so early booking is recommended.