Preserving research data over a certain period of time to ensure the security and traceability of results is an established practice in many cases.
In addition, researchers should at least ask themselves whether their data could be of long-term value. The reasons for this decision can be very different. While on the one hand very high financial and idealistic expenses make long-term preservation appear sensible, the next project involves data that describe unique phenomena that cannot be repeated. Research data can document how knowledge was created, how it was promoted and shared or how technology changed. At the same time, there may be data that excludes subsequent utilisation.
In the case of subsequent re-use, questions arise regarding access, legal framework conditions and the technical realisation of preservation over very long periods of time.
Some answers are firmly established in the day-to-day business of archives. In addition to some of the prerequisites for the long-term preservation of research data, this presentation will focus on these issues.