Academic Data Handling

Experiment Data Lifecycle

An Experiment Starts with its creation by the Local Contact, such as the Local Manager or the Local Scientist. At this point, a unique DRN is created, the PI is assigned to the Experiment and basic Metadata of the Experiment is provided.

In the Preparation Phase, the PI has the chance to prepare the Experiment. Such activities may include: adding the experimental team to the Experiment (Collaborators), providing Auxiliary Data (e.g. sample descriptions), preparing analysis software, etc.

During the Experiment, Raw data and Metadata is generated and ingested into our Service. Automated processing pipelines generate Processed Data. Preliminary data analysis by the experimental team or Collaborators generates results. Already during the experiment, data can be moved to archive to reduce storage cost.

After the Experiment, a more extensive data analysis takes place. Raw Data may be reprocessed, preliminary results are shared and new Collaborators may accelerate the analysis and interpretation of data. 

Note that all Experiment Data is stored together in the subdirectories of the corresponding DRN. Keeping all Experiment-related data linked to the DRN sets the foundation for Open Access dissemination of research data following the FAIR principles.

From the moment an Experiment starts, we ensure that all data within an Experiment remains stored and accessible for a minimum period of 1 year. After the initial year storage, either the PI (as Owner) or the Local Contact (as Originator) can decide if all Experiment Data will remain stored, if it will be archived or neither of the two. If neither data storage is to be continued nor data will be archived, the academic Experiment Data will become “Orphan Data”, such that we (DECTRIS CLOUD) obtains the right to use the scientific data as we see fit.

At any time, academic Experiment Data can either be Restricted Access or Open Access. Per default, Experiment Data is treated with Restricted Access but can be made Open Access by the PI, see Experiment Data Accessibility. This is applicable for both stored and archived Experiment Data. Proprietary data will always be Restricted Access.

Be aware that data in storage will be automatically deleted when the data owner’s DECTRIS CLOUD license is cancelled. Archived data will remain accessible for as long as it was archived even when the license is cancelled during the archive period.

Experiment Data Accessibility

* data can be made open accessible at any time by the PI’s choice.

As long as the Experiment Data is stored or archived with Restricted Access, the Experiment is only visible, findable and accessible to linked users (e.g. Local Manager, PI, Collaborators, ..). Equally, all data of the Experiment is only accessible by linked users with a specific Experiment Role.

If the Experiment Data is archived in the Public Archive, the data access remains as Restricted Access for a 1 year Embargo period starting at the date of the experiment. After the Embargo period or upon the request of the PI, the Experiment is made Open Access, which means, it becomes visible and findable for any public (=non-registered) visitor. Any registered user in our Service is able to access all Experiment Data (read only). Editing access to some of the data remains exclusive to linked users (e.g. Local Manager, PI, Collaborators, ..). At any time and independent of the Storage or Archive type, data can be made Open Access.

The figure above visualizes the rights and permissions of different user types in the context of scientific data accessibility.

Questions? Reach out to us here!