When it’s time to archive your research data, you’ll need to prepare a data package which contains not just the research data but the information necessary to interpret the data, as well as a record of what you did with the data. The following guide will help you determine what should be included in a data package depending on the kind(s) of data you are working with.

Standard data package requirements

Most data packages created by FGB researchers will be archived in YODA. Using this YODA archiving checklist will help you meet most of your standard requirements.

Standard documentation

The data package must include the following documentation:

Standard data requirements

The data package that will be archived must include:

  • The original raw data that you collected
    • If existing data were reused, include a link to the permanent identifier (e.g. DOI) of the data used (including the version, if applicable)
  • The processed data used in the research analysis

Additional data considerations

  • Whenever possible, the data files in the data package must be in open source and/or preferred formats
    • If your data were in a proprietary format (e.g. xls or sav files), include a copy of the data in that format
  • Use logical naming systems for your files and folders
    • ✅ “analysis_data_v1.2_20260505.csv”
    • ❌ “finalversion_final_final.sav”
  • If you plan to openly publish (some of) the research data, organize your data package so that only the data that can be openly published is openly published.
    • When you have some data that will be openly published and some that will be restricted or closed, it’s best to create more than one data package and cross-reference them to each other in your README/metadata.


Data-specific data package requirements

Different types of data used in a various kinds of research will have specific requirements when included in a data package. Use the following search bar for look for your research or data type to get more information on what is required for your specific data. If you aren’t sure, you can review all of the specifications by clicking “Show All”. If you still are not sure or cannot find information specific to your situation, please contact research.data.fgb@vu.nl.