Asynchronous learning resources on topics in research data management

Research data management is a central component of modern scholarly practice. Researchers, doctoral candidates and students need fundamental skills to create, document, publish and preserve research data in a structured and reusable way. However, conventional training formats such as workshops or webinars cannot always be flexibly integrated into the schedules of researchers. The project therefore develops asynchronous learning resources that enable self-directed and location-independent engagement with key topics in research data management. 

About the project 

The project develops a modular Moodle course on research data management. It is aimed at students, doctoral candidates and researchers and is designed to provide both fundamental and practice-oriented knowledge on working with research data. 

A particular focus is placed on reviewing and reusing existing teaching and learning materials. These resources are assessed with regard to quality, currency and reusability and adapted to Austrian and European frameworks. In addition, new content, exercises, practical examples and audiovisual learning materials are created and integrated into a common course structure. 

The project comprises several steps: 

• Review, documentation and assessment of existing materials 

• Definition of thematic priorities and development of the course structure 

• Creation and adaptation of texts, exercises and audiovisual learning materials 

• Integration of the course into the Moodle environment of the University of Graz 

• Pilot testing with students, researchers and research data management staff 

• Revision and optimisation based on the feedback collected 

Project work began on 1 November 2025. During the first phase, existing materials were analysed, thematic priorities were defined and initial decisions were made regarding which resources should be reused, adapted or newly created. 

From the outset, the course is also designed for reuse at other Austrian higher education institutions. In addition to an adaptable Moodle archive file, the project plans to provide documentation and a change sheet to support adaptation to local requirements. The course content is intended to be available in both German and English. 

In this way, the project contributes to the development of sustainable, open and reusable educational resources for research data management and supports the further development of relevant skills within the Austrian research landscape.