Research and Data Analysis

Research Data Archiving and Long-Term Preservation Training Course

Introduction

In the era of data-driven research, the ethical collection, handling, and long-term preservation of sensitive data have become critical. Research Data Archiving and Long-Term Preservation Training Course provides comprehensive guidance on best practices for managing, archiving, and safeguarding sensitive research data, especially within humanitarian, healthcare, social, and political contexts. Emphasis is placed on ethical considerations, regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR), anonymization techniques, and sustainable archiving infrastructure. This course equips researchers, data managers, and institutional stakeholders with tools to ensure data integrity, transparency, and long-term usability while maintaining the privacy and rights of participants.

Understanding the lifecycle of sensitive data—from planning and collection to curation, secure archiving, and responsible sharing—is essential for high-quality, impactful research. Participants will explore real-world case studies, gain hands-on exposure to tools and repositories, and learn how to navigate challenges related to confidentiality, data ownership, legal constraints, and digital preservation frameworks like FAIR and TRUST Principles.

Programme Curriculum

Research Data Archiving and Long-Term Preservation Training Course

Introduction

Course Objectives

Understand the ethical framework for researching sensitive topics
Apply GDPR and data protection regulations in data handling
Design a sensitive data management plan (DMP)
Implement data anonymization and pseudonymization techniques
Use open science principles while protecting sensitive data
Explore secure data sharing protocols and consent-based access
Evaluate digital archiving solutions and cloud storage security
Apply the FAIR Data Principles in sensitive research
Understand TRUST Principles for data repository selection
Design long-term data retention and disposal policies
Integrate metadata standards for sensitive data
Conduct risk assessments for ethical and legal data breaches
Navigate cross-border data transfer and international compliance

Target Audience

Academic Researchers
Data Managers and Archivists
Institutional Review Board (IRB) Members
Research Ethics Committee Members
PhD and Postgraduate Students
Librarians and Digital Curators
NGO and Humanitarian Researchers
IT Professionals in Research Institutions

Course Duration: 5 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Ethics in Researching Sensitive Topics

Foundations of ethics in research
Informed consent and participant rights
Managing emotional impact and vulnerability
Legal vs moral responsibility in sensitive data
Cultural sensitivity in research practice
Case Study: Ethical dilemmas in collecting trauma survivor data

Module 2: Data Protection Laws and Compliance

Overview of GDPR, HIPAA, and local regulations
Legal obligations for data controllers
Rights of data subjects
Institutional compliance workflows
Penalties for non-compliance
Case Study: GDPR breach in health research

Module 3: Designing a Sensitive Data Management Plan

Components of a sensitive DMP
Institutional templates and tools
Planning for access controls
Identifying sensitive data types
Updating DMPs over project lifespan
Case Study: Data plan for researching domestic violence

Module 4: Anonymization and Pseudonymization

Methods and levels of anonymization
De-identification tools and software
Balancing data utility and confidentiality
When pseudonymization is appropriate
Re-identification risks and mitigation
Case Study: Anonymizing data in HIV/AIDS studies

Module 5: Metadata Standards and Documentation

Importance of metadata in archiving
Standards: DDI, Dublin Core, DataCite
Documentation for reproducibility
Sensitive data descriptors
Licensing and usage rights metadata
Case Study: Metadata structure for indigenous population datasets

Module 6: Digital Repositories and Trusted Archives

Choosing a trusted digital repository
Evaluating against TRUST principles
Institutional vs subject-specific archives
Long-term data curation strategies
Interoperability and sustainability
Case Study: Migration of sensitive political data to ICPSR

Module 7: Secure Storage and Data Sharing Protocols

Cloud storage vs institutional servers
Encryption standards and tools
Consent-based tiered access
Secure file transfer mechanisms
Creating a data sharing agreement
Case Study: Secure sharing of child abuse research data

Module 8: Long-Term Preservation and Disposal

Preservation formats and strategies
Data refresh, migration, and obsolescence
Planning retention schedules
Criteria for data disposal
Automating archive workflows
Case Study: Deletion strategy for expired consent datasets

Training Methodology

Instructor-led interactive sessions
Group discussions and peer learning
Practical exercises using real data scenarios
Case study analysis and reflections
Toolkit demonstrations (DMPTool, anonymization software, repository platforms)
Assessments: Quizzes, short written responses, and planning tasks

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@fineskilltrainingcenter.org or call +254769199797

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to Fineskill Training Center account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.

Skills & Software Covered

Data archiving preservation strategies metadata management

Programme Fee

Duration: 5 Days

Method: Online or Physical

Online Price: $1,000

Physical Price: $1,500

Certification: Accredited Certificate

View Available Dates 📄 Download Course Outline (PDF)

Available Sessions

Location

Month

Year

Oct 19 2026

19 Oct — 23 Oct 2026

💻 Online / Virtual session

Online $1,000