Although this meeting focuses on the technical aspects of sound data management, because we believe the benefits of this are self-evident to scientists who are used to taking the greatest care in analysing and using data, we should be aware also of the general research policy framework in which so much modern research is located. At the level of national and international science policy, funding bodies increasingly require evidence for best practice in data management; likewise, open-access mandates for publications may become a reality. This presentation contextualises the practice of our science within the evolving policy framework for publicly funded research.