Research Drive

• Approved for use with sensitive research data (see Data classification standard).
• Access is available off-campus, and can be shared with University staff and students, and external collaborators. 
• Files are replicated across two NZ-based data centres and backups are performed nightly.
• Deleted files are retrievable within 180 days, and file changes can be reverted within 30 days.

To compare with other University storage options, see Choosing data storage.

For each new research project, researchers should request a dedicated research drive, in alignment with the University’s Research Data Management Policy.

The request form is accessible to staff and doctoral candidates. Doctoral candidates will need to nominate their supervisor as project owner. Masters students and external collaborators cannot request storage directly. A University principal investigator (PI) or supervisor must submit the request on their behalf.

To complete the request, you will need to provide:

• Project title, description, end date, and field of research code(s)
• Data classification and other ethics or security requirements
• Who needs what kind of access
• Estimated storage space

The storage solution for Research Drives will be updated to a faster, more secure, higher-capacity infrastructure, backed up across multiple Auckland datacentres. 

Migration:

• Digital Services will migrate existing drives via Faculty/LSRI plans. Migrated Research Drives will have to be re-mapped. Watch for email updates and check the File storage upgrade page.
• Folder Changes: Migrated Research Drives keep both Vault and Archive folders but move entirely to the high-performance active storage tier. New drives will not feature a Vault folder; the Archive folder is retained to enable future 'cold' storage options.

For more information and guides see the eResearch Services Handbook.

• Respond within five working days to requests.
• Users engaging with these services will need to agree to the eResearch services terms and conditions.

Research Data Support Services
Email: researchdata@auckland.ac.nz