Cornell University research data retention

According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), “it is widely recognized that data, specifically research data, are of growing importance and impact to the economy and society.” Reflecting this growing importance, Cornell University finalized and published a Research Data Retention Policy in 2022.

University Policy 4.21 Research Data Retention

Accurate and detailed records of research data are an essential component of any research project. This policy defines the shared responsibilities of Cornell University (including Weill Cornell Medicine) and Cornell researchers in collecting, retaining, securing, accessing, publishing, and sharing research data.

Highlights of this policy include:

  • Principal investigators are the custodians of their research data and responsible for the proper use, access, security, and control of any research data under their management or supervision, including the data used in scholarly publications or presentations.
  • Data should be retained for at least three years after project close-out AND an additional six years if it is used or cited in a subsequent publication or grant application. Different periods of retention are required in some circumstances e.g. funder requirements are different, data use agreement specifications differ, the Center for Technology Licensing deems need for longer retention, etc.
  • Guidance is slightly different for Ithaca-based and Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) faculty.

Data retention help

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