On October 24, we welcomed Benjamin Golub-Overbeck from The FAIR Elephant to share his expertise on effective research data management. He demonstrated how RDM can save time, drive innovation, and boost collaboration—turning data into a powerful competitive advantage.

We’ve  prepared an interview with Benjamin Golub-Overbeck to make sure those who couldn’t join the session can still benefit from his insights.

What are some common misconceptions that start-ups have about managing their research data?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that there are more pressing priorities than taking care of your data, and that it can be dealt with later. In reality, the opposite is true. As a start-up grows, its data can quickly become messy and unclear. It’s also a misconception to assume that everyone already knows how to handle data efficiently, and therefore guidelines are unnecessary. Addressing research data management (RDM) from the start leaves start-ups prepared for challenges in the future.

When it comes to protecting intellectual property, many start-ups prefer to store their data locally. Do you think this is necessary, or can cloud storage solutions be used securely for research data management?

The belief that local storage is inherently safer than cloud storage is common, not just among start-ups. However, storing data solely locally carries significant risks of data loss. When implemented correctly, cloud storage is a secure and reliable option for data storage and plays a significant part in any back-up strategy.

What role do regulatory requirements play in shaping research data management strategies, and how can start-ups navigate them more efficiently?

Regulatory requirements are a core component of any RDM strategy, as they define the boundaries within which the company must operate. For a start-up, developing a tailored RDM strategy helps navigate these requirements more smoothly, ensuring compliance and minimizing risks.

What practical steps can start-ups take immediately to improve their data management processes?

Don’t postpone it until it’s too late—start now with simple steps to get the process going. For example, you can implement a clear naming convention for files and folders to ensure organisation from the start. This might seem basic, but you will be surprised how effective this can be. Other practical steps include setting up regular automatic back-ups (following the 3-2-1 rule) and creating README files for documentation purposes.

What kind of training or expert support does The FAIR Elephant offer to start-ups looking to optimize their data management?

With The FAIR Elephant, I offer a flying start into the field of RDM, with expert domain knowledge in the field of RDM. I support start-ups with developing fitting RDM strategies, implementing new tools (e.g., electronic lab notebooks) and much more. Furthermore, I offer workshops and training on specific topics in RDM, like data organisation, electronic lab notebooks or data policies.

You can think of The FAIR Elephant as a long-term collaboration partner, supporting start-ups and other researchers, in their RDM endeavors.