Guiding Principles

Research Excellence and Integrity

Lakehead is committed to research excellence and supporting researchers in the responsible conduct of research. According to the Tri-Agency RDM policy, sound RDM practices support research excellence by “ensuring that research is performed ethically and makes good use of public funds, experiments and studies are replicable, and research results are as accessible as possible. Research data management (RDM) is a key component of research excellence.” 

 

Open Science

Research results should be made as “open as possible, and as closed as necessary,” in order to maximize access and collaboration, while maintaining respect for privacy, security, ethical considerations, and appropriate intellectual property protection. This requires a commitment to the inclusive use of data management practices, such as the FAIR Guiding Principles for data management and stewardship, which strive to make data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. We acknowledge that we will support the RDM rights of all parties involved in research.

Responsibility and Collaboration

The collective cooperation of researchers, community partners, and administrative units that provide advice and support, is required to develop and implement RDM best practices effectively. Lakehead University is committed to building a collegial environment that promotes effective and authentic partnerships and knowledge sharing between RDM colleagues across our campuses, including researchers, administrators, IT service providers, Research Ethics Board, the Library, Office of Research Services, Anishinaabe Kendaasiwin Institute (AKI), and other administrative units that support Lakehead University’s digital research infrastructure.

 

Indigenous Data Sovereignty

Lakehead is committed to Indigenous Data Sovereignty and acknowledges that Indigenous peoples have the right to control data collection processes and that they own and control how this information can be used. Lakehead University supports the use of data management practices, such as the OCAP and CARE Principles, to ensure Indigenous data sovereignty and will ensure that its RDM policies are aligned with these principles.

 

Context-Based Approach

Given the diversity of research questions, data types, methods of data collection and analysis, disciplinary practices, ethical obligations, legal and regulatory frameworks, and partnership environments that our researchers work in, Lakehead University will support our researchers in implementing the RDM best practices most appropriate to their research context, in accordance with the highest standards possible.