All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. The scientific process is enhanced by managing and sharing research data. Good data management practice allows reliable verification of results and permits new and innovative research built on existing information. This is important if the full value of public investment in research is to be realised. JISC considers it a priority to promote and support good data management and sharing for the benefit of UK Higher Education and Research. Through the Managing Research Data Programme, JISC is targeting a number of key areas: helping higher education institutions plan their data management practice; piloting the development of essential data management infrastructure; and promoting the acquisition of appropriate skills, among academics and research support staff in Universities. JISC also funds the Digital Curation Centre, which provides internationally recognised expertise in this area, as well as support and guidance for UK HE. JISC recognises the UK Data Archive as a key partner and stakeholder in these strategic objectives. Managing and Sharing Data: a best practice guide for researchers, is a timely and important publication, and one which JISC wholeheartedly endorses.