The ERIM (Engineering Research Information Management) Project has released a report entitled Understanding and Characterizing Engineering Research Data for its Better Management. The report introduces a new technique for modelling research activity information development and uses it to analyse the data records from six engineering studies. This modelling technique is supported by the ERIM Data Management Terminology as set out in the report. The ERIM Project is part of the JISC’s Managing Research Data Programme, looking at data management planning in EPSRC-funded projects. It is a collaboration between the Innovative design and Manufacturing Research Centre (IdMRC) at the University of Bath and UKOLN, representing the DCC.