Policies, codes of conduct and laws

This reading guide offers an overview of relevant data policies, codes of conduct, laws and protocols regarding research data management.

 

Guide on policies, codes of conduct and laws

Content

  1. Codes of conduct, policies and guidelines
  2. Utrecht University faculty data protocols
  3. Sharing privacy-sensitive data
  4. Data ownership and reuse rights 

 

 

1. Codes of conduct, policies and guidelines

Important points from relevant frameworks, codes of conduct and guidelines are highlighted below. Between brackets, the issuing organisation is noted. UU means Utrecht University. 

2. Utrecht University faculty data protocols

According to the 'University Policy Framework for Research Data', deans have to draw up faculty guidelines and ensure that research institute directors implement both the University Policy Framework and the faculty guidelines.

Below, currently available faculty data protocols are presented. 

Research Data Management Support has specific expertise in setting up data protocols for faculties, projects and groups and will gladly assist you.

3. Sharing Privacy-Sensitive Data 

The 'University Policy Framework for Research Data' stresses your moral obligation as a researcher to make your data available after publication. However, you should bear in mind that precautions should be taken when sharing privacy-sensitive data. The following legal obligations, restrictions and codes of conduct relating to the disclosure of personal data apply.

For a translation of law to practice see our guide 'Handling personal data'. 

4. Data ownership and reuse rights

As a researcher, you should clarify who the copyright holder of your datasets is, especially when you use existing data or when you collaborate with external parties. Copyright is a form of intellectual property right which arises automatically if an original work is created. Copyright will not cover the underlying facts, ideas or concepts, but only the particular way in which they have been expressed. Copyrighted output from research could include spreadsheets (and other forms of originally selected and organised data), publications, books, reports and computer programs. Consult the Copyright Information Offfice for more information on copyright on publications and books.