The University must retain research data in sufficient detail and for an adequate period of time to enable appropriate responses to questions about accuracy, authenticity, privacy and compliance with laws and regulations governing the conduct of the research. It is the PI's responsibility to determine what records need to be retained to comply with Sponsor requirements. PIs should adopt an orderly system of data organization and should communicate the chosen system to all members of a research group and to the appropriate administrative personnel, where applicable. Particularly for long-term research projects, PIs should establish and maintain procedures for protection of essential records in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency. Duration of Retention of Data Research data must be archived for a minimum of three years after the final project close-out, with original data retained wherever possible.
Some sponsors require a longer period of retention.
Access to Records Records will normally be retained in the department where they are produced. Research records must be retained on the University of Utah campus, or in facilities leased or maintained by the University of Utah unless the Vice President for Research or the Director of OSP grants specific permission to do otherwise. The PI should develop appropriate procedures for proper archiving and tracking of research data. Sewn or otherwise permanently bound laboratory books are required for pursuit of patents. Where necessary to assure needed and appropriate access, the University has the option to take custody of the data in a manner specified by University policy.