Period of Retention of Data and Records
- Research data and records should be maintained for as long as they are of continuing value to the researcher and as long as specified by patent law, legislative and other regulatory requirements.
- The minimum retention period for research data and records is five (5) years from the date of any publication or public release of the work of the research.
- Clinical trials require that records and data be retained for a minimum of fifteen (15) years from the date of termination of the study and preferably for the lifetime of the product.
- The Australian Psychological Society advises members that files/records of adult clients should be maintained for a minimum period of seven (7) years from the last date upon which the client received services. In the case of children the records should be kept for a minimum period of seven (7) years after the child reaches the age of 18.
- Time intervals for the retention of data are generally based on those established by external organisations, such as the NHMRC, and may be amended from time to time.
- Funding bodies may have specific requirements for the retention of research data and records.
- Where there are known disciplinary practices or codes establishing norms for retention of research data and records these should be adopted.
- In many instances, departments and researchers will resolve to retain research data and records for a longer period than the minimum requirement.
For further information on management of Research Data & Records, please see http://www.unimelb.edu.au/records/research.html