Mapping Research Data at the University of Bologna

This article presents an analysis of research data management (RDM) practices at the University of Bologna (UniBO). It is based on qualitative data manually collected from 29 data management plans (DMPs) and recorded within a table based on 27 relevant ‘DMP variables’. The study examines aspects such as data types and formats, handling of personal data, and repository selection for long-term preservation. Using descriptive statistics, we address three core questions: (1) What is the diversity of research data managed at UniBO? (2) What recurring challenges and patterns can inform data stewardship services? (3) Is there evidence of interdisciplinary data production? Findings reveal significant overlaps across disciplines in terms of data types and formats, with limited emphasis on data reuse, while common challenges include confidentiality, privacy protection, intellectual property rights, and long-term preservation. The results underscore growing awareness of RDM and provide insight on the type of institutional training and support that should be prioritized to address emerging needs.