Data management to support reproducible research

TL;DR

This paper discusses the development and implementation of scientific data management tools aimed at enhancing transparency and reproducibility in research, emphasizing early integration throughout research projects.

Contribution

It introduces a novel scientific data management system designed for use from the start of research projects to improve data integrity and reuse.

Findings

System has been actively used for over two years at an MRI Center.

Early use of SDM enhances data integrity and facilitates reuse.

Supports reproducible research practices throughout the research lifecycle.

Abstract

We describe the current state and future plans for a set of tools for scientific data management (SDM) designed to support scientific transparency and reproducible research. SDM has been in active use at our MRI Center for more than two years. We designed the system to be used from the beginning of a research project, which contrasts with conventional end-state databases that accept data as a project concludes. A number of benefits accrue from using scientific data management tools early and throughout the project, including data integrity as well as reuse of the data and of computational methods.