Many definitions attempt to capture the notion of Research data. This challenge is all the more difficult because it is necessary to find a common denominator for many types of data (sociological, economic, medical, biological, constructed from sounds, images or even odours, etc.).
It is commonly accepted (OECD - 2007) that research data are factual records used as primary sources for scientific research. They are generally recognized by the scientific community as necessary to validate research results. They can take many forms (experimental data, observational data, operational data, third party data, public sector data, etc.).
At UNIL, according to Directive 4.5, research data are records used as primary sources for scientific research.
They include in particular, but not exclusively :
The following are not considered as research data :
In order to facilitate their publication and/or sharing in possible open access, research data are organized and managed according to international standards specific to each field in order to respect the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Re-usable) supported in particular by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF).