(18 Dec 2024) UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has announced plans to develop a new research data policy framework aimed at maximizing the value of data generated from UKRI-funded research and supporting a culture of open research and innovation.
The framework is being developed in collaboration with research councils, Research England, and Innovate UK. It will update and streamline policies related to research data management and promote the principles of FAIR data—ensuring data is findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable.
The draft policy is expected to be published in spring 2025 for consultation, giving researchers and stakeholders an opportunity to provide feedback. Until the new framework is finalized, researchers applying for UKRI funding and current grant holders are advised to continue following existing policies.
The new framework aims to simplify and harmonize data sharing and management policies across UKRI’s funding programs, aligning with broader goals to:
- Promote open research culture
- Recognize and support diverse skills and talent
- Enable responsible and trusted research and innovation
By integrating policies across research disciplines, the updated framework will encourage good data practices tailored to the specific types of research and data generated.
The upcoming policy framework represents a significant step toward modernizing research data governance and promoting open science. UKRI’s efforts will ensure the ethical, secure, and accessible sharing of research data, empowering researchers while advancing global collaboration and innovation.
The press release in full is here.
