Purpose & Scope

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the retention and disposal of data generated at the Canadian Light Source (CLS). This policy aims to ensure that data is retained for an appropriate period to meet operational, regulatory, and contractual requirements, while also promoting efficient data management practices.

This policy applies to all scientific data produced, collected, or stored at the CLS, regardless of format or source. Scientific data is grouped into one of three general categories: Large Data Sets (BMIT and CMCF), Small Data Sets (All other beamlines), and Industrial User Data.

Retention Periods

Large Data Sets

Beamlines: BMIT and CMCF
Retention: 2 Cycles / 1 Year

Data acquired at CMCF or BMIT will be retained for a period of 2 cycles or 1 year plus the current cycle. At the end of this retention period, data will be evaluated for its ongoing value and relevance. If data is deemed no longer necessary, it will be securely disposed of following data sanitization procedures.

Small Data Sets

Beamlines: All other beamlines
Retention: 4 Cycles / 2 Years

Data acquired at all other beamlines will be retained for a period of 4 cycles or 2 years plus the current cycle. Similar to large data sets, data will undergo a review after the retention period, and unnecessary data will be securely disposed of following data sanitization procedures.

Industrial User Data

Beamlines: N/A
Retention: As per contract

Industrial users' data will be retained as indicated within their contract with the CLS. Upon contract termination or expiry, the data retention period will be reassessed, and data will be retained or disposed of following data sanitization procedures.

Data Disposal

At the end of the retention periods, data will be disposed of securely to prevent unauthorized access or breaches of sensitive information. Disposal methods will adhere to industry best practices for data sanitization, including physical destruction or digital data wiping.

Contact Us

Let us know if you have any questions or comments about this policy.