Relevance of research data
What is research data?
Currently there is no fixed definition, which would include all aspects of research data. This definition would also depend very much on the respective discipline, hence an interdisciplinary definition may not necessarily succeed or is at all desirable. In general, research data can be seen as data, that originate during scientific activity and serve as basis for research results. For this reason the data is also sometimes called "raw data" or "primary data". These include for example a series of measurements, drawings or also notes.
Rules of good scientific practice
To document all steps and results of an experiment or a study and to secure and preserve the primary data
is viewed as one of the general principles of scientific research at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Primary data that underlies a publication therefore depends on specific demands: the data should
be preserved in an accessible way for at least ten years.
The responsibility for appropriate actions lies with the scientist himself or herself.
(§ 2 in: Satzung über die Grundsätze der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin zur Sicherung guter wissenschaftlicher Praxis und über den Umgang mit Vorwürfen wissenschaftlichen Fehlverhaltens, in German, from February 17, 2014)
Fixed in doctoral culture
The key element for successful completion of the doctoral degree is the independent preparation of a dissertation that answers an original research question using suitable scholarly methods. Both the doctoral candidate and their academic supervisors commit themselves to adhere to the rules of good scientific practice.
(in: Guidelines: Towards a culture of doctoral education at Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin, enacted by the Academic Senate on June 26, 2012)
Shaped by the mission statement
The Humboldt-Universität was established in a period of crisis as an autonomous institution charged with facilitating outstanding scholarly and scientific achievements and promoting the critical examination of established knowledge for the benefit of society. Today, this legacy still holds after nearly 200 years. Those who work here should have the determination and the capability to advance knowledge and to take responsibility for its application.
(in: Mission statement of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, enacted by the Council of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin on February 13, 2002)
In accordance with Open Access
In accordance with the ideal of the university, Open Access is based on the principle that all people should have free, equal access to the results of scientific work.
(in: Open Access Declaration of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, adopted by the Academic Senate on May 9, 2006)
Technological implementation
The edoc-Server represents the technological base for implementing the ideas formulated within the Open Access policy of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.
(in: Policy of Document and Publication Server of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin from September 1, 2010)
Further information regarding recommendations, principles and initiatives of German and international research funders and institutions can be found at recommendations and initiatives.