Your Research, Connected: The Case for Commercial RDM Tools that Scale with Collaboration
- Keagan James
- Jul 31
- 4 min read
Research is increasingly collaborative, complex, and global. Whether it’s a multi-site clinical study, a cross-university climate project, or a public-private health data initiative, researchers are now expected to work across institutional and national boundaries. But research of this nature depends on more than goodwill — it relies on systems that can facilitate this kind of collaboration and do so securely.
That’s where support for research operations and data exchange become essential.
In a research context, collaboration refers to the ability of different team members - regardless of organization - to easily share, access, and use data without major rework or risk of error. This means enabling a robust data repository capability with role-based access controls, recycle bins with restore functions, and real-time collaboration features. A robust data repository provides any team member full data management controls commensurate with their role on the research project. This facilitates distributed, multi-jurisdictional data collection and integrated analysis with minimal data transfer requirements. This would also facilitate metadata maintenance, archiving, and publication activities downstream.
Commercial Research Data Management (RDM) Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms must meet this challenge head-on. Tools like myLaminin are built with this global collaboration in mind, helping research teams engage globally with contributors while maintaining control, compliance, and clarity.
Why Secure Collaboration Matters in Research
Most research projects today don’t happen in a vacuum. Data is collected in one location, analyzed in another, and archived in a third. Various tools may be involved; data collection software, data repositories, qualitative and quantitative analytical tools, and a variety of publication repositories and services. An RDM platform or service that can support the full RDM lifecycle - from data collection through to archiving and publication - addresses these needs.
Interoperability solves this by enabling:
Seamless data exchange between team members
Reduced duplication of effort
More accurate and efficient collaboration
Compliance with funder, journal, institutional standards, and data management plans.
Ultimately, it lets researchers focus on discovery, not data logistics.
Key Enablers of Scalable, Trusted Research Collaboration
Commercial RDM tools that facilitate collaboration typically include several core features. Here’s what to look for — and what platforms like myLaminin offer:
Standards-Based Metadata Support
Interoperable platforms support widely recognized metadata standards (like DataCite, DDI, Dublin Core, or ISO 19115) so that data remains understandable across systems.
myLaminin enables researchers to embed rich, standards-aligned metadata directly into datasets — facilitating publication and academic journal interactions.
Structured APIs for Data Exchange
An Application Programming Interface (API) is how one system talks to another. RDM platforms with well-documented APIs allow teams to connect their tools, automate transfers, and maintain consistency across environments. This means:
Linking survey tools, analytics platforms, or cloud storage directly to the RDM platform
Automating metadata syncing between institutional systems
Enabling partner institutions to query data securely and efficiently
myLaminin supports secure API integration that simplifies workflows and ensures data isn’t trapped in silos.
Role-Based Access with Federated Identity Support
In cross-institutional settings, each team member may belong to a different university or organization. Managing access manually quickly becomes impractical.
Interoperable platforms support federated identity management, which allows users to log in using their institutional credentials. This keeps data secure while reducing administrative overhead.
Platforms like myLaminin support fine-grained, role-based access controls and can integrate with institutional login systems — ensuring that only the right people access the right data, no matter where they work.
Support for Data Packaging and Export Standards
To share data with journals, repositories, or other researchers, teams often need to export data in standard formats — such as ZIP packages with metadata, or formats compatible with Dryad, Zenodo, or institutional archives.
myLaminin helps researchers structure and export their data in compliant, ready-to-share formats that meet these evolving requirements.
Audit Trails and Data Lineage
Transparency is key in collaborative projects. Researchers, reviewers, and funders want to know how data has changed and who touched it.
Interoperable RDM systems support audit trails and data lineage tracking, making it easier to reconstruct decisions and validate results.
myLaminin offers immutable audit trails that document data access, edits, and transfers — helping build trust in data shared between institutions.
What Institutions Gain from Enabling Secure Research Collaboration
The ability to exchange data smoothly across jurisdictions and institutions pays off in several ways:
Faster collaboration and fewer delays
Easier compliance with ethics boards and data-sharing mandates
Better integration with analysis tools and institutional workflows
Lower risk of errors, duplicated work, and better adherence to data management plans
Enhanced transparency and reproducibility
For research teams working in multi-site or international contexts, collaboration is no longer a “nice to have”, it's foundational.
Final Thoughts
When studies become more integrated, support tools in the background also have to evolve. Commercial SaaS RDM platforms will prioritize collaboration and data exchange as driving enablers of today's scalable and secure interdisciplinary research.
Platforms like myLaminin are designed not only to store information, but to unite people, tools, and institutions. Enabling standards-based metadata, role-based access, and accelerated publication and academic journal engagement.
Ultimately, collaboration is not about software. It's about creating a research context in which collaboration is simple, trusted, and effective.
https://www.g2.com/articles/what-is-data-exchange https://www.gisma.com/programmes/undergraduate/bsc-data-science-ai-and-digital-business
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Keagan James (article author) is a myLaminin intern studying Arts and Business at the University of Waterloo.
