Introduction to Research Data Management (RDM) in Life Sciences
Introduction to Research Data Management (RDM) in Life Sciences
17 October 2025, 9h00- 17h00
General context
Effective research data management (RDM) is more than just a compliance requirement - it's a practical tool that simplifies your workflow, strengthens your research, and enhances the impact of your publications. This training is designed to help researchers embed RDM practices into their projects from the very beginning, always keeping the publication process in focus.
Throughout the day, participants will learn how to organize, document, and share their data in ways that promote transparency, reproducibility, long-term accessibility, and high-impact publishing. Through hands-on exercises and interactive discussions, the course introduces essential concepts such as FAIR data, open data, and data management, while also covering practical topics like metadata standards and selecting appropriate repositories.
Whether you're preparing your first manuscript or refining your data practices, this course will provide the tools and confidence to manage your research data more effectively and publish with greater confidence.
- Define key concepts such as Research Data Management (RDM), FAIR data, Open data, and Personal and Sensitive Data.
- Identify reliable sources and institutional resources that support RDM practices.
- Evaluate the components of the Data Management Plan and justify its relevance to research projects.
- Recognize the ethical and legal implications of data handling under GDPR.
- Organize research data and documentation in a structured and standardized format.
- Apply appropriate metadata standards to describe datasets effectively
- Explain the role of data documentation in enhancing publication quality and reproducibility.
- Distinguish between general and discipline-specific repositories for data sharing.
- Appraise and select repositories to deposit research data.
The training combines theoretical instruction with hands-on activities. The training includes coffee breaks and lunch.
Participants are required to bring a laptop for hands-on activities.
Trainers
Matheus Lourenço
Matheus Lourenço is a science communication expert and trainer at VIB. A behaviour change specialist and Marie-Curie fellow with a joint PhD in Psychology from KU Leuven and Maastricht University, he pioneered innovative methodologies in tinnitus treatment and gathered accolades for his ability to make complex scientific approaches accessible to diverse audiences.
After completing his PhD, Matheus worked as a consultant to leading pharmaceutical companies, delivering strategic workshops worldwide. Now back in academia, he is committed to empowering researchers to communicate their work with clarity and impact, thereby strengthening the connection between science and society.
Niels Geudens
Niels is a research data steward at VIB, where he oversees research data across various life science projects, handling all its aspects throughout the data's life cycle. Niels earned his PhD in Chemistry from Ghent University, specializing in the structural elucidation and mode of action of secondary metabolites. After his PhD, he was actively involved in teaching, delivering several university courses at the Bachelor and Master levels, and guiding thesis and PhD students as they navigate their first steps in academic research. Since April 2024, he is part of the Data Core at VIB.
Laura Lucia Standaert
Laura Standaert is the data steward for Life Sciences research at Ghent University. She provides advice, support and training for all aspects of research data management.
Program
RDM intro and key concepts
Coffee Break (provided)
Data Management Plan (DMP)
Coffee Break (provided)
Choosing the right repository
Lunch (provided)
DMP follow-up
Coffee break (provided)
Documentation and metadata
Break
Organization and folder structure
Practical info
17 October 2025
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Technologiepark 75
9052 Zwijnaarde
Belgium
17 October 2025
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
From Ghent Sint-Pieters station, you can take a bus to Technologiepark. Please check Routeplanner De Lijn for schedules.
17 October 2025
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Looking for a custom cycling route? Try the online cycling route planner to easily and quickly identify the fastest, safest and/or most scenic route to any destination in Ghent.
Cycling route planner
Shared bicycles:
Several providers are active in the area.
Take a look at their platforms:
- Indigo Weel Pro app
- Bluebike
- DOTT
- BOLT eBikes
- Donkey Republic
There are also some public bicycle pumps at the park.
17 October 2025
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
There is only one entrance to Technologiepark. At the entrance, please take a ticket - Parking is only allowed in regular parking spots (for instance in front of the building) and in the parking tower. Parking alongside the roads or in other places where there is no regular parking is prohibited.