Using RISE, the Research Infrastructure Self-Evaluation Framework

Delivering effective institutional support for research data management (RDM) is a challenge for any HE institution, regardless of size or research intensity. Typically, support should include both technical and human infrastructure, with ownership of individual elements distributed across the institution. Ensuring that RDM service development takes as comprehensive a view as possible and engages effectively with relevant stakeholders is key to successful research data support.

The Research Infrastructure Self-Evaluation (RISE) framework is a benchmarking tool designed to facilitate RDM service planning and development at the institutional level. The tool provides a framework for discussion, enabling relevant stakeholders to contribute their experience to all aspects of a holistically envisioned service. It distils the DCC’s experience working with the HE sector through the Institutional Engagement programme and builds on existing tools such as the DCC’s CARDIO.

RISE was created primarily for higher education institutions to help them to take stock of their current RDM support provision and identify areas of focus for future development. This process is typically administered by someone from within the institution with significant experience of the local research support infrastructure, and a good understanding of the wider issues associated with supporting data management. Regardless of who manages the service review, input is likely to come from representatives of the Library, Research Office and IT, and may include input from other areas. One of the advantages of using RISE is that it provides a means of engaging these stakeholders in productive discussion about service development and allows them to reach a shared vision of where the RDM service aims to be.