Data Snack - Rethinking Research Data Management: Inclusive Practices for Every Mind

The rapid growth of digital technologies and ever-expanding research data capacities make effective Research Data Management (RDM) more crucial than ever for ensuring transparent, reproducible, and meaningful research. In response, funding agencies, universities, and research institutions have developed RDM frameworks – ranging from FAIR data principles and backup strategies to data management plans. While these concepts are increasingly visible in academic discourse, their practical implementation in everyday research remains a significant challenge.

For many researchers, adopting RDM requires not just new technical skills, but also behavioral changes in daily routines. This transition can be particularly difficult for neurodivergent individuals, who represent an estimated 15–20% of the population. Current approaches to RDM training are often abstract, overly perfectionistic, and insufficiently adapted to diverse cognitive styles. For instance, autistic researchers may benefit from highly logical, structured approaches, whereas those with ADHD may require more flexible, open-ended strategies.

This talk explores how inclusive RDM practices can be developed to meet these varied needs. By highlighting common barriers, sharing practical solutions, and rethinking teaching concepts, it aims to spark discussion on how to make RDM not only more effective but also more accessible. The goal is to contribute to a more inclusive research culture – one that supports all researchers in engaging meaningfully with data management and ensures that digitalization in research progresses equitably.

Disclaimer: This talk was created and given by a neurodivergent person, discribing her own disability to emphasize the need for an inclusive research and RDM culture. It does neither aim to describe all different conditions, nor finding the perfect strategie. Personal insights were shared to start the discussion and to hopefully give a starting point for creating new strategies and lower barriers in RDM.