Working with sensitive research data
A workshop outlining some of the key principles to bear in mind when working with sensitive or restricted research; whether collected yourself or obtained from a third-party source such as a data archive. Issues of confidentiality, informed consent, cybersecurity and data management will be covered. Examples of scenarios or concerns drawn from the research of participants are particularly welcome. The role of support services at Oxford will also be outlined and in particular the role of the Bodleian Data Librarian who will lead the session. Follow up consultations with the Data librarian or other subject consultants are also offered.

Topics to be covered include: key best practice principles when working with sensitive or restricted research data; issues around creating original data; informed consent agreements; maximising the usage potential of data during and after a project; strengths and weaknesses of anonymisation, data blurring and similar techniques; key strategies for protecting data including encryption, embargoes, future vetting and access restrictions; and obligation put on researchers by legislation and research partners.

Intended audience: taught student; researcher and research student; staff
Date: 6 March 2026, 11:00
Venue: Social Science Library, Manor Road OX1 3UQ
Venue Details: Information Skills Training Room
Speakers: John Southall (Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford), Dan Crane (Bodleian Libraries)
Organising department: Bodleian Research and Learning Support
Organiser: Helen Bond (Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford)
Organiser contact email address: usered@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
Part of: Bodleian iSkills - Workshops in Information Discovery and Scholarly Communications
Booking required?: Required
Booking url: https://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/ask/workshops#/course/OXFORDBODL/ISKILL0076
Cost: Free
Audience: Members of the University of Oxford, Oxford University Hospitals and Bodleian reader card holders.
Editors: Helen Bond, Melanie Smith