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The Digital Research Commons Pilot (DRCP) 

The Digital Research Commons Pilot (DRCP) is a three-year initiative to build a more connected, capable, and researcher-focused approach to digital research support, which will improve access to systems, services, software, and training for researchers across McMaster University. 

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Vision

A connected and capable research community at McMaster University.

Mission

The Digital Research Commons Pilot connects researchers with digital research support through collaborative and user-centred solutions. We improve researchers’ access to essential services, resources, and expertise, and enhance research outcomes and service delivery effectiveness. 

Support Meet the DRCP Team

The DRCP is supported by the Provost’s Strategic Alignment Fund and is co-sponsored by Andy Knights (Acting) (Vice President, Research), Vivian Lewis (University Librarian), and Gayleen Gray (Associate Vice President & Chief Technology Officer).

Goals

Engage with the McMaster Research Community to identify evolving needs and opportunities 

The DRCP will engage with the McMaster research community throughout the project to turn evolving needs into support opportunities, ensure that its mission and objectives align with stakeholder priorities and share its outcomes and learnings. 

Develop Shared Resources and Services through Collaborative Partnerships 

The DRCP will build and sustain strong partnerships between campus research support units to address complex digital research support needs through shared expertise and efforts. We will work with and amongst support units to develop shared resources, services, and communities that improve researchers’ experiences and outcomes. 

Facilitate a Cohesive Researcher Experience 

The DRCP will facilitate a cohesive and seamless researcher experience by improving discovery of existing resources and services (within and beyond McMaster) and providing researchers with a service to facilitate these connections, where needed. 

Formalize Operational Excellence 

As an initiative that builds into and around existing digital research support and facilitates collaboration amongst them, the DRCP will succeed in its outward-facing goals by operationalizing the “five Cs”: Collaboration, Coordination, Communication, Compilation, and Championing. 

The Digital Research Commons Pilot Strategic Plan

McMaster’s Evolving Digital Research Support Landscape Report

Collaborative Network of Services

Information Security for Researchers Learn More

Information Security for Researchers can support researchers with any questions related to detailed security frameworks, assessing risk of systems and applications, intrusion protection, or identity and access management. 

Research Data Management Learn More

Research Data Management (RDM) Services provide resources and services to assist students, faculty, and staff with data management across all research stages. They offer consultations, training, and support for data management plans, data deposit and sharing, data storage and backup, data security, ethical and sensitive data management, documentation and metadata, and more.

Research & High-Performance Computing Support Learn More

Research and High-Performance Computing Support (RHPCS) offers cost-recovery services for research projects that exceed the capacity or scope of services offered by Faculty IT support units and UTS. Services include provision of data storage and backups, desktop and server system administration and support, high-performance and advanced research computing support, research infrastructure design, funding application support, and more. 

Research Impact Learn More

Research Impact (RI) Service supports individuals, groups, and departments as they seek to understand the impact of their own work and identify opportunities for extending their reach. RI support can be leveraged during the planning stages of your research and/or once your research is complete. 

Research Software Development Learn More

Research Software Development (RSD) provides support for software development for researchers, research groups, and research facilities.