Body
University Policy
Title
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Policy on Research Data Ownership
Introduction
Purpose
This policy establishes the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ("UNC-Chapel Hill" or “University”) ownership of Research Data. The University is obligated by federal funding agency grant terms, federal and state regulations, policies, other contractual terms, and its mission statement, to ensure that research data and materials are secured and appropriately accessible.
Scope
This policy applies to all Research Data generated with the support of University resources, and it applies to all University faculty members, staff members, post-doctoral appointees, trainees, students, consultants, and anyone involved in the design, conduct or reporting of research. Nothing in this policy is intended to limit or otherwise modify the terms of applicable laws and other University policies. Please see the "Related Requirements" section for a non-exhaustive list of other relevant University policies.
Policy
Policy Statement
The University is committed to advancing and disseminating knowledge, honoring sponsored project obligations, and abiding by applicable regulations pertaining to Research Data generated with the support of University resources. All individuals involved in research share the responsibility for appropriate use and retention of Research Data to ensure access, use, and preservation of the Research Data is maintained. All activities with research data must be in compliance with the process established under this policy and in compliance with University obligations for data protection and sharing.
A. Ownership of Research Data
The University owns all Research Data generated with the support of University resources. Pursuant to University policy, including the Policy on Access to Individual User Accounts, the University may copy and access any Research Data regardless of where it is stored, including personal devices. If Research Data is stored on personal equipment, the University may take possession of such equipment to make a copy of the Research Data.
In addition to ownership, the University maintains Control of the original Research Data to allow the University to fulfill its obligations, including, but not limited to, protecting participant privacy, accounting for sponsored research funding, promoting ethical use of data, and complying with retention requirements.
B. Use and Transfer of Research Data
If requested and approved through the UNC Research Data Transfer Form, University faculty, staff, and students who generate research data as a Principal Investigator (PI) on a project may keep a copy of the Research Data, but the University retains ownership and Control over the original Data.
When leaving the University, a PI may take copies of Research Data that they generated during their research. The Office of Sponsored Programs, in consultation with other campus units, retain approval authority for transfer of any Regulated Data, including regulations pertaining to human participants. A form for required activities and approvals, prior to separation from the University, is provided by the OVCR and is also linked in the “Related Requirements” section of this policy.
C. Retention and Disposition of Research Data
The University must maintain Data for appropriate retention periods, as specified in the Records Management Policy and other applicable retention schedules.
Definitions
- Control: is the process of protecting and safeguarding data throughout its lifecycle. This includes its collection, transportation, storage, and usage.
- Principal Investigator (PI): The individual who conducts the research study.
- Regulated Data: any data that through law, regulation, or policy is partially or completely restricted from being shared freely.
- Research Data: Any recorded factual information that is commonly accepted in the relevant research community as necessary or useful to validate, replicate and/or generate research results and/or the events and processes leading to those results, regardless of the form or media on which it may be recorded.
- Retention: The maintenance of Data in a readable, organized, and secure format, for the appropriate length of time specified in the University’s Records Management Policy.
- Unit: Any administrative organization that is part of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Related Requirements
External Regulations
University Policies, Standards, and Procedures
Contact Information
Primary Contact
Name: Quinton Johnson
Title: Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Compliance
Email: quinton@unc.edu
Other Contacts
Office: Privacy Office
Telephone: 919-962-6332
Email: privacy@unc.edu
Office: Office of Human Research Ethics
Telephone: 919-966-3113
Email: irb_questions@unc.edu