Research Data Storage

Research Data Storage and Classification Guidance

We understand that planning how to manage research data securely and cost‑effectively within the constraints of University infrastructure can be complex. This page will help you understand when the central Research Data Storage (RDS) service offered by Research IT is appropriate, and where to find other guidance and services to support your research data management planning.

Defining Research Data Storage

In general use, the term research data storage can refer to a range of University services. In this context, it refers to the centrally managed, Isilon‑based storage service provided by Research IT. 

This service is intended for research datasets that require secure, resilient storage throughout a project. It is available in two different options: 

• Standard Research Storage (free allocation with approval) 
• Extended Storage (chargeable) 

Full details of the available Research Storage options and their associated costs are provided in the IT Knowledge Base article KB0018026 (login required). 

When Our Research Data Storage Is the Right Choice 

The Research Data Storage service offered by Research IT is suitable when a project needs: 

• A centrally managed place to store research data
• Shared access for a research team
• Space for large or growing datasets
• Storage that must remain available throughout a research project or funding period 

It is not suitable for all types of research data, particularly highly sensitive information that may require specialist environments. 

Before You Choose: Key Checks

1. Data Governance Requirements

Different types of data can be stored in different places. Whether Research Data Storage provided by Research IT is appropriate depends on your data classification (e.g., Alan Turing Institute (ATI)  tiers). For example, some sensitive data must be stored in Trusted Research Environments (TREs) such as LASER. 

Before selecting Research Data Storage, please review the University’s governance guidance to confirm permitted storage locations. 

• What type of storage should I use? (IT Services – login required)
• Research data management explained (Library)
• Data classification and storage guidance (Library) 

These pages explain how data sensitivity affects where your data can be stored.

2. Whether You Need Other Types of Storage as Well

Many research projects need more than one kind of storage. For example: 

General storage (Microsoft 365)

Used for day‑to‑day documents, drafts and routine collaboration.
(OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams) 

HPC working filesystem

Required if you will run any part of your workflow on ARC’s HPC systems.
This is separate from long‑term Research Data Storage and follows its own limits and lifecycle. 

For details on HPC Filesystem, please visit the Aire documentation and see the section on storage and filesystem usage. 

Application, database, and code storage

Some projects also need separate, cloud‑based storage to support software, tools or other digital outputs created during the research. 

This might include things like: 

• A database that sits behind a web‑based tool or data viewer
• An interactive dashboard that needs somewhere to store and serve its data
• A custom data processing pipeline that requires its own storage
• Specialised computing environments (for example, a virtual machine used to run a tool)
• A secure place to store and manage code for collaborative development 

This type of storage is different from Research Data Storage and may need to be costed separately. Our team can advise on the technical requirements for software and code-based outputs and can direct you to recommended practice guidance on code management and version control. 

Trusted Research Environments (e.g., LASER) 

TREs provide restricted, monitored environments for the secure storage and processing of sensitive data. We work in partnership with LIDA to provide the LASER TRE. While Tier 3 data may be stored on Isilon, any processing must take place within LASER. Tier 4 data must be stored and processed entirely within a Tier 4 TRE and cannot be held on Isilon under any circumstances.

3. Long‑Term Preservation Needs

Research Data Storage is not a preservation system. It is not intended for long‑term archiving or public sharing of research data. 

For advice on how to preserve data beyond a project, deposit datasets in an appropriate repository, or make data openly available in line with funder and University requirements, please refer to the Library’s Open Research and Research Data Management support. They can guide you on sharing, licensing, and selecting suitable repositories. 

Related guidance and services 

Useful links for next steps:

• Choosing the right storage location (IT Services — staff login required)
• Research data management explained (Library)
• Storing and handling research data (Library — includes data classification and the Research Information Management Guide)
• Open research support (Library) — for repository deposit, sharing data, and open access
• Grant proposal support — for help scoping and costing computational elements into early-stage funding bids (Research Computing)
• LASER Trusted Research Environment – for research involving highly sensitive data requiring specialist secure environments.
• Digital Creativity and Cultures Hub (DCCH) – offering specialist guidance for creative and cultural digital research