UBC Digital Research Infrastructure Report
Executive Summary
Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) refers to a suite of services that enables the collection, processing, dissemination, and disposition of research data. This includes strategies for planning, organizing, storing, sharing, computing, and ultimately archiving or destroying research data.
From May 17 - June 12, 2021, UBC Advanced Research Computing (ARC) and the UBC Library from both Vancouver and Okanagan campuses launched the DRI Needs Assessment Survey to investigate UBC researchers’ needs in 25 distinct areas relating to DRI. The survey received a total of 241 responses. Following the survey, three focus groups were conducted with UBC researchers to gain additional insights.
Definitions
Training Single workshops, workshop series, online modules/videos, and formal courses.
Support Web resources, consultations, advising, troubleshooting, and recommendations.
Digital Research Infrastructure A suite of services that enables the collection, processing, dissemination, and disposition of research data.
Key Findings
Respondents overwhelmingly wanted training and support but did not know they were available.
Finding 2
Training and support are widely dispersed across the institution, with all 25 areas of DRI being served by several different units.
Finding 3
A large number of respondents sought training and support outside of UBC, but focus group participants reported a preference for internal services.
Key Recommendations
Develop a unified research data web portal and governance structure to connect services and departments across the institution that serve DRI, to provide a single point of entry to DRI at UBC.
Recommendation 2
Establish a unified communication strategy across these service providers that is cohesive and focuses on researchers.
Recommendation 3
Implement a unified cross-campus training and support strategy that leverages the roles and expertise of various campus partners, and that is inclusive of and sensitive to the staffing, resources, and unique contexts of each UBC campus.