Research Data Lifecycle
- A data lifecycle serves as a framework for structured data management. It covers the entire data flow from planning and generation to storage and provision. Measures for structured data management can be taken at all stages of the data lifecycle in order to use data efficiently, ensure its quality and guarantee its long-term availability.
This diagram visualizes the research data lifecycle, which is divided into three main areas: planning and repurposing, generation and processing, and storage and provision. Each area comprises specific tasks and processes for handling data.
The first phase, “Planning and Repurposing”, contains two key elements. The first is the planning of the research project, in which the objectives, methods and resources are defined. Secondly, it involves researching and reusing existing data in order to assess its usefulness and potential for the project at hand.
The second phase, “Generation and processing”, consists of three elements, which are mapped in aA data lifecycle serves as a framework for structured data management. It covers the entire data flow from planning and generation to storage and provision. Measures for structured data management can be taken at all stages of the data lifecycle in order to use data efficiently, ensure its quality and guarantee its long-term availability.
This diagram visualizes the research data lifecycle, which is divided into three main areas: planning and repurposing, generation and processing, and storage and provision. Each area comprises specific tasks and processes for handling data.
The first phase, “Planning and Repurposing”, contains two key elements. The first is the planning of the research project, in which the objectives, methods and resources are defined. Secondly, it involves researching and reusing existing data in order to assess its usefulness and potential for the project at hand.
The second phase, “Generation and processing”, consists of three elements, which are mapped in a separate circular process. First, data is collected and recorded, either through experimental studies, surveys or other methods. The transition from the first phase to the second phase takes place via this element, as this is where the basic generation of own data within the research begins. Secondly, the collected data is stored and organized to ensure its integrity and availability. Thirdly, the relevant information is processed, analyzed and selected. The transition from the second phase to the third phase takes place from this element, as the knowledge gained is prepared for further storage and provision. Overall, the second phase forms a continuous cycle.
The third phase “Storage and Provision” consists of three elements. Firstly, the research results are published, be it in scientific journals, repositories or other relevant publication venues. Secondly, the data is archived to ensure its long-term availability and integrity. Thirdly, access to the research results is created, for example through selective access for certain user groups or increased visibility.…


| Author: | Eva EilertORCiDGND |
|---|---|
| open access: | Diamant - ohne Publikationskosten mit Lizenzhinweis |
| Research fields: | Wissenschaft / Infrastrukturen der Wissenschaft |
| Fachbereich/Einrichtung: | Hochschule Düsseldorf / Hochschulbibliothek |
| Document Type: | Image |
| Year of Completion: | 2025 |
| Language of Publication: | English |
| Publisher: | Zenodo |
| Edition: | v1 |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14752723 |
| GND Keyword: | ForschungsdatenmanagementGND |
| Dewey Decimal Classification: | 0 Informatik, Informationswissenschaft, allgemeine Werke / 02 Bibliotheks- und Informationswissenschaften / 020 Bibliotheks- und Informationswissenschaften |
| Licence (German): | Creative Commons - CC BY - Namensnennung 4.0 International |
| Release Date: | 2025/08/08 |
| Note: | German version available under: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8087764 This graphic was created as part of the project module of the certificate course Research Data Management 2022/2023 (a cooperative course of the Landesinitiative für Forschungsdatenmanagement NRW - fdm.nrw, ZB MED - Informationszentrum Lebenswissenschaften and ZBIW). The graphic is available in 3 formats (PNG, SVG, AI) - colors, contours and lettering can be customized depending on the file format. |
