The Collaborative Activity of the Research Data Management and Utilization Working Group at the Kyushu Okinawa Open University in Japan

While many Japanese universities have adopted research data policies, providing enough supporting research data management (RDM) remains challenging, particularly for smaller institutions with limited staff and resources. The Research Data Management and Utilization Working Group (WG) was formed in September 2024 to improve RDM practices at universities in Japan's Kyushu-Okinawa region. The WG serves as a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing among its members. It is supported by the Research Data Management Start-up Support Project, sponsored by the National Institute of Informatics. Kyushu University is the regional coordinator of this project. The WG also operate under the Kyushu-Okinawa Open University (KOOU), a consortium of 11 national universities, aims to enhance regional research capacity through researcher and student development, shared research infrastructure, RDM, and development of research support personnel in Kyushu and Okinawa area. RDM is regarded as an important element in enhancing the research reputation of universities. KOOU and the WG plan to hold a joint workshop in December 2025 and aim to expand their outreach to non-member universities. The WG will contribute to promote collaboration and best practices in RDM across the region.