Perceptions and Practices of Research Data Management: Trends and Perspectives from Indian Universities

This study examines the current state of Research Data Management (RDM) practices in Indian universities, highlighting their growing relevance amid the increasing volumes of data generated by academic research. As data-intensive research expands, effective RDM becomes essential to ensure data integrity, reproducibility, long-term preservation, and compliance with ethical standards. The study explores researchers' levels of RDM awareness, their use of data management tools, and the challenges they face in adopting structured practices. A survey was conducted among researchers across Indian universities using a structured questionnaire designed to capture both quantitative and qualitative insights. It focused on raising awareness of RDM concepts, promoting the adoption of data management tools, identifying preferred storage methods, and addressing perceived barriers. Findings show that while 65.60% of respondents considered RDM “very important,” only 21.1% reported using formal Data Management Plans (DMPs), indicating a gap between awareness and implementation.

Regarding storage practices, 52.6% relied on cloud-based solutions for their accessibility and collaborative benefits, whereas 65% continued to store data on personal computers, reflecting ease of access but raising concerns about data security and the risk of loss. The study identifies major challenges hindering effective RDM, including inadequate training (reported by 37.7%), limited institutional support, lack of access to appropriate tools, and the absence of clear data management policies. The study concludes that universities, particularly their libraries, should take a leading role in strengthening RDM by offering training, workshops, and policy support. Integrating RDM into institutional research frameworks is recommended to promote responsible and sustainable data management. Future research should reassess the evolving RDM landscape as institutional policies and technologies advance.