This blog focuses on research planning and lists common mistakes when estimating digital research costs to help you avoid falling into problems down the line.
#1 Leave it for the last moment
As our colleagues highlighted in the Research Planning Seminar, you need to allow enough time to plan and design your project properly.
The same applies to budgets. Devote some time to think through your
data and computational costs in advance, to make sure that you minimise
risks and ensure access to all the services you might need in your
projects. Although many of the research services are free at the point of use, your project's requirements might exceed your free allocation.
#2 Making inaccurate estimates for data and compute
Data-intensive
research projects, involving a variety of data types, are more frequent
across disciplines, demanding more computational resources. Under these
circumstances, inaccurate cost estimates are more likely. To avoid
these mistakes and by extension, the negative impact on your research
project, double-check your budget and do not hesitate to discuss this
with colleagues and research support staff.
Underestimating storage costs
Data size is increasing, even in disciplines not traditionally dealing with large amounts of data and access to sufficient, safe and secure storage for your active data is key for you and your research team. Underestimating the size of the data you will collect and analyse is a common mistake that impacts your research project. Make sure that you calculate your DataStore costs as accurately as possible. Get in touch with Research Services Support for advice.
Neglecting to budget for data archiving
To comply with funders’ requirements, research data should be archived and preserved for the long term towards
the end of a project. We noticed that this is commonly neglected in
research budgets, leading to time-consuming discussions within schools, colleges and professional services. To avoid this and concentrate on your work, remember to add DataVault or similar costs to your budget. Get in touch with Research Data Support for advice. Consider using the Research Computing Funding checklist.
#3 Not researching available options
With a growing list of resources, services, and tools, identifying the most appropriate and cost-effective ones for your research project may be confusing. A good starting point is our interactive Resource Finder which summarises the available data and computing tools and support teams at the University of Edinburgh, through a list of questions.
#4 Lack of communication with professional research services
Experts who manage, support and deliver research services can help you with your research data and computing budgets. You can find useful links and contact details on our individual Resources pages. If in doubt who to contact, get in touch with Research Facilitators, and we will signpost you to the right team.
Least but not last, visit the Edinburgh Research Office website to get support from developing your idea and identifying funding to crafting your application and managing your award.