Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get access?
To gain access, submit a Project Request.
Complete the storage application form, providing us the requested details (such as your project details). On submission you will be scheduled for a consultation visit from a member of eResearch Services.
What can I store?
You can use this service to store primary data and associated documentation from research projects being conducted at Griffith University.
The university is offering this service specifically to help researchers fulfil the requirements of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, 2018 and Griffith's Best Practice Guidelines for Researchers.
This service should not be used to store information that you do not have permission to share because of copyright (e.g. articles downloaded from subscription library databases) or ethical or contractual restrictions.
If your data is sensitive in any way, you must carefully assess any service you use to store and share it. At a minimum, you should:
- consult the Griffith University Human Research Ethics Manual Booklet 23 Regulatory and Ethical Privacy Issues in Human Research, section 13.0 Privacy and the Storage of Data, and No.4 in the Research Integrity Information Sheet Series, "The Responsible Management of Research Data and Materials", and
- consider the security classification that should be applied to the data under the Queensland Government Information Security Classification Framework (QGISCF).
A lot of research data does not require security controls above and beyond the University's standard practices. This service:
- stores information on local servers (not overseas, which could be in breach of the Privacy Act),
- is subject to policies that outline the responsibility of staff who maintain these systems,
- encrypts information when it is being transferred and "at rest" on storage devices,
- is monitored for malicious attacks and security breaches, and
- has complete audit logs of user activity.
You can also adopt good security practices as an individual and within your research team, such as:
- Writing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). An SOP is a document that provides a clear set of steps and processes for your research team to follow for handling data within the research project). It is especially useful for new members to the team and to provide to new prospective data suppliers for them to have confidence that their data will be managed to their satisfaction"). Contact eResearch Services for assistance with what should be contained in an SOP.
- Choosing a good password for your account and not sharing it.
- Ensuring that only authorised team members have access to data, by contacting eResearch Services to set appropriate permissions for your area.
- Keeping computers and mobile devices secure (e.g. making sure operating systems and apps are up to date, and having a password or pin number on your device).
- Keeping copies of very important files in multiple locations.
Your research data might warrant special security controls if its unauthorised release could:
- Cause distress to individuals or private entities,
- breach undertakings to maintain confidentiality, or
- negatively impact on the reputation of the University.
If you are unsure about whether your data requires extra security controls, please seek advice from the research ethics and integrity service in the Office for Research or eResearch Services.
What if I have more complex storage needs?
If your research project has complex storage needs, please contact eResearch Services support team for further discussion on options available for you.
If you are unsure about whether your data requires extra security controls, please seek advice from the research ethics and integrity service in the Office for Research.
Mounting Research Drive on OSX
From Finder select the Go menu item, then use the Connect to server option on the menu dropdown.
Once the network folder interface pops up use smb://researchdata.student.ad.griffith.edu.au/data as the folder address.
Once you have completed these steps you will be presented with a finder window showing the Research Drive and all the folders you have access to.
Mounting Research Drive on Windows
From My Computer select the Map network drive menu item
Once the server selection interface pops up use \\researchdata.student.ad.griffith.edu.au\data as the server address.
Once you have completed these steps you will be presented with a Windows Explorer window showing the Research Drive mounted on your system.
Which Research Storage service is right for me?
Please check our suitability quiz. It's just a few questions and should help you find the service you're looking for.