Collaborative groups addressing IT changes affecting researchers

News for Researchers

Posted June 2, 2023 by Ashley Washburn

A collaborative effort is underway to support Nebraska researchers in navigating the increasingly complex set of challenges that contemporary researchers face as they create, use and maintain research data. Recently, these challenges have included some changes in the university’s IT workflow related to implementation of updated data security policies. This, and other internal and external challenges, require a multifaceted approach to engaging with and working alongside Nebraska researchers.

A task force, launched in the spring, is developing a comprehensive research data strategy for UNL. Taking a holistic approach, the task force strives to balance research needs with risk mitigation in order to securely enable, sustain and share groundbreaking research, scholarship and creative activity. The Comprehensive Research Data Strategy Task Force includes faculty members from across disciplines, as well as representatives from the Office of Research and Economic Development, including Sponsored Programs and Research Compliance Services; University Libraries; Information Technology Services; and the Holland Computing Center.

In addition, task force members from ORED and ITS have formed a working group that meets regularly with others from these two units. The working group aims to shape implementation of IT policies in a manner that supports and facilitates research goals, and address research project-specific needs that require IT expertise.

More information and resources about these collaborative efforts are forthcoming and will be shared through campus communication channels such as Research News and Nebraska Today. Website content about the task force and its efforts is under development. Additional support resources and training opportunities for helping researchers navigate updated data security policies are also underway. Units connected to these efforts are informed and available to assist researchers navigate project-specific IT needs.

For more information about the task force, contact co-chairs Liz Lorang, interim dean, University Libraries; and Jen Nelson, assistant vice chancellor for research. For information about the ORED and ITS working group and to access support navigating project-specific IT needs, contact Alian Kasabian, research data and security liaison.


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