Spotlight on: Personal Data

A webinar series covering practical considerations when working with personal data

*** This webinar series took place in February to April 2024. Recordings or slides can be accessed below. ***


As soon as research involves personal data, additional considerations become necessary. You will need to think carefully about how your data is managed and document it clearly to obtain ethical approval and sponsorship. There may be data sharing agreements in place that need to be honoured. You may also want to think about how to make your data reusable for other researchers and/or how to archive it properly. These are just some examples of the complexities of working with personal data.

This Webinar Series, developed in collaboration with the CMVM Data Managers, will help you better understand key processes and considerations, and give you some practical advice along the way. It complements the Resource Overview of Working with Personal Data.

You can pick and choose which sessions are most relevant to you. All sessions will be 30min long, involving a 15-20 minute presentation and time for questions at the end.

Key points

What is being covered? Key considerations and practical tips when working with personal data.

What is the format? 30-minute lunchtime seminar sessions delivered online, including time for questions.

Who can book? Open to PGRs, research staff and professional services from across the University.

Who are the speakers? The speakers are a mixture of professional services staff and research staff with expertise in working with personal data.

Sessions and Booking Links

1. Tips for securing sponsorship (with a focus on data management) 

Tuesday 12th March 12:30-13:00

Chris Coner, Research Governance Coordinator, ACCORD



2. Personal data - key definitions, concepts and considerations (Insights from the Data Protection Office)

Thursday 14th March 12:00-12:30

Rena Gertz, Data Protection Officer, University's Secretary Group



3. Tips for obtaining ethical approvals (with a focus on data management)

Wednesday 20th March 12:30-13:00

Christine Campbell, Co-director of Research Ethics, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine



4. Personal data and open science – practical advice, considerations and safeguards

Tuesday 26th March 13:00-13:30

Kerry Miller, Research Data Support Officer, Library Research Support



5. Effective engagement with the research contracts office (data agreements and more)

Friday 29th March 12:30-13:00

Allan Shanks, Head of Research Contracts, Edinburgh Research Office



6. Pathways to archiving personal data

Tuesday 9th April 12:30-13:00

Simon Smith, Research Data Support Officer, Library Research Support



7. Supporting student projects involving personal data – top tips for supervisors (from a supervisor)

Tuesday 17th April 12:00-12:30

Juliane Kloess, Lecturer in Forensic Clinical Psychology, School of Health in Social Science



Research Planning