Institutional policies for research data management

an analysis of Dutch university frameworks

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1808-5245.32.149807

Keywords:

research data management, Brazilian universities, scientific data governance

Abstract

This study analyses the normative content of institutional policies for research data management adopted by Dutch universities, aiming to identify their structural elements, management strategies, and degree of alignment with principles that ensure data findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability. The research is qualitative and exploratory in nature, based on systematic documentary analysis of formal and official sources from universities. The findings allowed mapping the frequency and distribution of common elements, as well as identifying conceptual and operational gaps. The results revealed the consolidation of a governance model articulated across national, European, and institutional levels, supported by the integration of digital infrastructures, specialised technical support, and clearly defined responsibilities. The analysed policies demonstrate strong adherence to the FAIR principles, reinforcing both the mandatory nature of data sharing and the ethical and legal responsibilities of institutions. However, weaknesses remain in areas such as metadata, data disposal, cost management, and terminological clarity. It is concluded that the Dutch model serves as a reference for the maturity of its practices and the balance achieved between data openness and protection. The results provide theoretical and practical insights for Brazilian universities to develop comprehensive policies aligned with international standards while remaining sensitive to local specificities, thus contributing to the institutionalisation of research data management and the strengthening of open science in Brazil.

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Author Biographies

Ana Lúcia da Silva Araújo , Brazilian Institute of Information in Science and Technology

PhD student in Information Science at the Postgraduate Programme in Information Science of the Brazilian Institute of Information in Science and Technology and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (PPGCI IBICT/UFRJ); Master's degree in Information Science from PPGCI IBICT/UFRJ (2023). Librarian at the Federal University of São João del-Rei. Member of the research group BRIET: Librarianship, Information Retrieval, E-Science and its theories, which studies the concept of research data and the processes involved in transforming it into information and scientific knowledge. Member of the Data Management Policies and Plans WG of the GO FAIR Agro Network.

Luana Sales, Brazilian Institute of Science and Technology Information

PhD in Information Science from the Graduate Programme in Information Science at the Brazilian Institute of Information Science and Technology and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (2014). Master's degree in Information Science from the Brazilian Institute of Information in Science and Technology and Fluminense Federal University (2006). Lecturer in the Postgraduate Programme in Information Science IBICT/UFRJ and DIECI - Division of Scientific Publishing . General Coordinator of GO FAIR Brasil Office. Coordinator of the BRIET Research Group.

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Published

2026-04-22

How to Cite

ARAÚJO , Ana Lúcia da Silva; SALES, Luana. Institutional policies for research data management: an analysis of Dutch university frameworks . Em Questão, Porto Alegre, v. 32, 2026. DOI: 10.1590/1808-5245.32.149807. Disponível em: https://seer.ufrgs.br/index.php/EmQuestao/article/view/149807. Acesso em: 9 aug. 2026.

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