Dear colleagues,

I write to share and to invite comments on a revised draft of the Proposed Presidential Policy on University of California Research Data. This is the second systemwide review for this Policy. The first draft — then titled the “Presidential Policy on University of California Research Data and Tangible Research Materials” — was shared with UC Berkeley faculty and staff in February 2021. Thank you to the many units and individuals who provided feedback on the earlier version.

Ownership of research data by the UC Regents is a long-standing precept originally articulated in Regulation 4 (Academic Personnel Manual 020) that states “Notebooks and other original records of the research are the property of the University.” Regulation 4 was issued in 1958, and it is still in effect. The purpose of the new Presidential Policy on University of California Research Data is to 1) clarify ownership of and responsibility for research data generated during the course of University Research, 2) encourage active data management practices, and 3) provide guidance with respect to procedures when a researcher leaves the University.

Among other substantial changes from the initial version, recommended by our campus, the latest draft removes inclusion of tangible research materials, revises the definition of “Research Data,” and includes key carve outs intended to ensure the primacy of certain third-party agreements.  

If you have comments, you may provide them to [log in to unmask] by April 18, 2022 with the subject line “Research Data Policy Comments.” Please contact Agnes Balla, [log in to unmask], (510) 987-9987 with any questions.

Sincerely,

Katherine Yelick
Vice Chancellor for Research

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