Organise data

To maximise sharing, use and re-use of your research data ensure that your data are accessible, understandable and usable. Data files should be organised and named in a consistent and practical system to make it easier to find and keep track of data. This can save time and frustration by:

• helping you find files quickly
• reduce errors from confusion between file versions
• understand the data you hold and identify any gaps
• identify duplicated data files
• provide verification – evidence of logical processes and methods.

The UKDS has detailed guidance on File Formats, file structures, versioning, documentation and metadata.

Not all research data is digital. Hand drawn sketches, hand-written laboratory notebooks, journals and other materials are at particular risk of loss. Digitisation can help organise and protect non-digital data: See this guide for researchers on How to deal with non-digital data.