Data often have a longer lifespan than the research projects that create them. The data lifecycle model provided by the UK Data Service illustrates how well-documented and shared data can undergo further lifecycles after project completion when they are used or reused in new or follow-up projects.

Research data management ideally begins during project planning and is integrated throughout each stage of the research process. The data management process is best understood by examining each stage of the data lifecycle.

See on the individual phases of the life cycle:

• Planning
• Implementation
• Archiving and Sharing

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This page was last edited on 10 February 2022. Unless otherwise noted, this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.