Excellent research needs excellent data

Data from academic research projects or official statistics plays a major role in knowledge societies. It provides the foundations for evidence-based policy making and helps initiate further research work. In light of the continuous growth in digital data, it is becoming increasingly important within this field to maintain transparency and to ensure access to data whilst at the same time safeguarding the academic research standards which apply in respect of its processing and use. This represents one of the central remits of the Rat für Sozial- und Wirtschaftsdaten (RatSWD) [German Data Forum], which was established in 2004. Chair Professor Regina T. Riphahn explains the main focuses and objectives of the Forum’s work and the current challenges it faces.