The Dawson Lab follows the Data Management and Sharing (DMS) policies and guidelines required by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Johns Hopkins University (JHU). Proper data management and sharing at The Dawson Lab requires that researchers: (1) create a data management plan, (2) organize and document research, (3) regularly back up data, and (4) share data. Review the following information, go to the JHU Data Services website, and review the NIH Policy On Data Management and Sharing to learn more.

(1) Create a Data Management and Sharing plan:

Background: Effective, January 25, 2023, researchers planning to generate scientific data are required to submit a Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Plan to the funding NIH ICO.

DMS Plan will be included:

  • as part of the Budget Justification section of the application for extramural awards

  • as part of the technical evaluation of contracts

  • when determined by the Intramural Research Program for Intramural Research Projects

  • Prior to the release of funds for other funding agreements.

Plans should explain how scientific data generated by research projects will be managed and which of these scientific data and accompanying metadata will be shared.

Johns Hopkins University has created a tool to help researchers generate effective Data Management and Sharing Plans that are in accordance with guidelines established by the National Institutes of Health.

Click the button and follow the tutorial to use the DMP Tool and develop your own, effective Data Management and Sharing Plan. (download tutorial PDF)

(2) Organize and document research:

The Dawson Lab asks that all researchers use a consistent file naming system to organize and document research files.

Step 1: Develop a consistent file naming system.

  • Be specific: File names should start with the largest identifying factor and progress to the smallest identifying factor.

    • Example:

      • TDawson_PNAS_STINGmediatesneuro_ MovS1_PBSMouse

  • Be consistent: All discrete file names within a project should follow the same overall format.

    • Example:

      • TDawson_PNAS_STINGmediatesneuro_ MovS1_Hoechst_PBSmouse

      • TDawson_PNAS_STINGmediatesneuro_ MovS2_Hoechst_asynPFFmouse

      • TDawson_PNAS_STINGmediatesneuro_ MovS3_Iba1_PBSmouse

      • TDawson_PNAS_STINGmediatesneuro_ MovS4_Iba1_asynPFFmouse

  • Use certain characters: The characters within a file name should be limited to letters, numbers, underscore (_), and avoid spaces and special characters.

  • Use a standard date/time format: When incorporating date and timestamp in the file name, information should flow from the largest to smallest (YYYYMMDD or hh:mm:ss)

    • Example:

      • TDawson_PNAS_STINGdata_2018-04-10

Step 2: Organize information into folders that follow the same naming system. Folders should also be logically organized in an information hierarchy from largest to smallest concept.

Step 3: Document research files. Create codebooks/data dictionaries, include meta-data, and prepare a README file for each project.

OFFSITE: Remote Connect to Dawson Lab Server (Drobo)

Step 1: Follow Dawson Lab Remote Access Guidelines (download PDF)

Step 2: Install Pulse Secure VPN

(3) Regularly back-up data in multiple locations:

The Dawson Lab asks that researchers create redundancy in the storage of all research information. All information generated during research projects should be saved on an external hard drive and on the shared Dawson Lab server (DROBO). Researchers should be backing up data daily or weekly depending on the quantity of data being generated.

ONSITE: Connect to Dawson Lab Server (DROBO)

Step 1: Contact the Dawson Lab Manager to request access to DROBO through Basic Science Network Office (BSNO).

Step 2: Follow Dawson Lab shared server access guidelines (download PDF)

Step 2: Back up your data!

The Dawson Lab strives to share enough data, code, and documentation so that others (both within the lab and without) can validate and reproduce your results. Researchers should be prepared to share the following types of information:

  • Raw data and outputs

  • Code and tools needed to process, analyze, and visualize your data

  • documentation so that others can understand your research

Step 1: Check whether your funder or publisher requires a specific repository. JHU Data Services can help you meet deposit requirements for that repository. 

Step 2: Visit the JHU Data archive and contact JHU Data Services to get started.

(4) Share Data