Insights from Macquarie University s Research Data Management outreach 2024

Background- Implementing good research data management (RDM) practices is crucial for ensuring the integrity, reproducibility, and impact of research outcomes. In 2024, two years following Macquarie s official RDM policy release, the RDM team initiated a university-wide outreach program to promote the RDM framework and encourage good practices. The program aimed to raise awareness, gather feedback, and refine workflows and training. Methods/Actions- The RDM team engaged with four Deputy Deans of Research and Innovation and over 25 research integrity champions, offering brief presentations during departmental meetings. These presentations emphasized the University s RDM policies, highlighted the importance of good RDM practices, supported infrastructure, and available resources. Presentations were tailored to each department based on insights from reviewing data management plans. Feedback was solicited to improve future outreach, streamline workflows, and address departmental needs. Results- The outreach program has been well-received, with widespread acceptance among researchers. Participants provided positive and constructive feedback on the practical relevance of the sessions and acknowledged the value of adopting good RDM skills. Increased engagement with the RDM team has been noted, with discipline-specific challenges identified to refine workflows, resources, and targeted initiatives. Conclusion- The outreach program has been successful, but faces challenges such as sustaining engagement, addressing discipline-specific needs, and limited resources. The RDM team aims to expand the outreach program to include more researchers, customize sessions for different disciplines, enhance RDM workflows based on feedback, and collaborate with stakeholders to continuously improve RDM practices.