On 18 June 2010, as part of its current Researcher Development Initiative (RDI) grant, the UK Data Archive is hosting a workshop on managing and sharing research data for social science research.

This workshop is aimed at: ESRC award holders; postgraduate and new or experienced researchers in the social sciences and related disciplines; and members of Research Ethics Committees. It will cover key issues for research involving people as participants - interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, observations, ethnography and so on. The programme includes guidance and practical exercises and discussions focusing on:

* ethical and legal issues in data sharing and use

* handling and sharing confidential information and personal data

* informed consent and data sharing

* anonymising data

* copyright in data

* describing and contextualising research data

Content is based on advice and guidance provided by the UK Data Archive to ESRC award holders in line with the requirements of the ESRC Data Policy. The guidance helps researchers plan data management strategies for projects and consider data sharing and archiving as part of ethical review procedures.

Participants are encouraged to contribute materials in advance of the workshop to ensure an interactive and topical approach. Such materials will depend on current research activities, but might include: descriptions of current research projects; sample consent forms used; data management plans; current or intending procedures for anonymising data; institutional ethical review guidelines on data sharing.

Location: UK Data Archive, University of Essex, Colchester. The workshop is free, but places are limited so booking is essential. A few travel bursaries are available for postgraduate students. Contact datasharing@essex.ac.uk for further information. Further details: http://www.data-archive.ac.uk/news/eventdetail.asp?id=2493