The Research Data Policy approved by the Academic Senate of Freie Universität Berlin in May 2021 supports researchers, instructors, and students in applying good scientific practice when handling research data in order to ensure that research findings gain greater visibility and are made available in more sustainable formats. Its recommendations incorporate national and international guidelines and standards such as the DFG Code of Conduct for Safeguarding Good Research Practice and FAIR Data Principles.

Section 4, "Handling Research Data," features recommendations on research and project planning, managing research data, and storing, archiving, and publishing data, factoring in the available infrastructure and appropriate services offered at Freie Universität Berlin.

The policy was developed in a participatory process with researchers, instructors, and representatives from the relevant central institutes, taking into account the requirements and needs of Freie Universität Berlin members. A steering committee coordinates regular reviews and, where necessary, adjustments to this policy in line with new requirements every two years.