While graduate students in ecology learn about methods for collecting ecological data, historically there has been less emphasis on managing the resulting data effectively. This is an increasingly important skill set; many funding agencies require data management plans, and journals are requiring that data pertaining to published articles be accessible. Ecologists with good data management skills will be able to maximize the productivity of their research program, effectively and efficiently share their data with the scientific community, and potentially benefit from the re-use of their data by others.

The purpose of this workshop is to give attendees a set of practical tools for organizing and sharing their data through all parts of the research cycle. The target audience is early-career scientists but is open to any researchers who would benefit from developing better data management skills, including faculty who would like to teach best practices for preparing data. Topics will include data structure, quality control, data documentation, the importance of good data management practices for data sharing, collaboration, and data re-use. The workshop will be an interactive combination of presentation, discussion and activities. Participants must bring their own laptop to work on exercises. A related Ignite Session is planned and a Special Session on “Creating Effective Data Management Plans for Ecological Research” may also be useful to participants.