The University of Guelph is advancing impactful, collaborative and globally recognized research by ensuring that research data is properly managed, accessible and preserved through the Tri-Agency’s data deposit requirement.
A key component of the Tri-Agency Research Data Management (RDM) Policy, launched in March 2021, is the requirement mandating that researchers deposit digital research data, metadata, and code supporting their published findings in a recognized repository. While depositing is mandatory, public sharing depends on ethical, legal, or commercial considerations and follows FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).
By securely storing, accessing, and reusing data, U of G researchers can enhance the impact of their work. Open access further extends this impact by reducing barriers to knowledge, enabling researchers, policymakers, and the public to engage with and benefit from research findings.
“Properly managing and preserving research data fosters collaboration, enhances knowledge accessibility and ensures long-term research impact,” says Lucia Costanzo, librarian, research & scholarship, McLaughlin Library. “By organizing and sharing data effectively, researchers can transform their work into a valuable resource that accelerates discovery and drives innovation.
“By preserving and making data accessible, we ensure our research has lasting value and invite others to build on our work.”
To ensure a smooth transition, the data deposit requirement is being implemented in phases, with ongoing community engagement and work continuing until 2025. A feedback summary is expected in early 2025, with a draft open for public comment by mid-2025.
Non-compliance with data deposit requirements may affect eligibility for future Tri-Agency funding; however, U of G offers support to help researchers meet these requirements.
How U of G Library Supports Its Researchers
The U of G Library supports researchers in complying with the Tri-Agency RDM policy by facilitating the deposit process through repositories like The Atrium and the Research Data Repositories. Staff assist with deposits while ensuring researchers retain their rights and choose and apply an appropriate license to their work.
The Library also provides guidance on preparation, best practices that enhance discoverability and long-term accessibility and open access compliance. Additional support is available through consultations and workshops on publishing, copyright, licensing and research data management.
These services ensure that research outputs are properly deposited, preserved and made accessible while meeting compliance standards.
“The Library is there to assist researchers in sharing and preserving their work, ensuring it meets the necessary requirements,” says enhances knowledge accessibility, and ensures long-term research impact,” says Costanzo. “Our support helps researchers comply with policies, improve the visibility of their research, and ultimately increase its impact.”
The Government of Canada's Research Support Fund is an important source of funding for support of research facilities, research resources, management and administration of the University of Guelph's research enterprise, regulatory requirements and intellectual property and knowledge mobilization.