This dissertation project examines researchers’ data management practices in relation to the legislation that governs research data, with a particular focus on research materials as public records and the preservation of research data. The study is situated within the growing demands placed on researchers to not only generate new knowledge but also to manage, store, and preserve data in accordance with legal, institutional, and societal requirements. The dissertation comprises three sub-studies that together explore this complex field. The first sub-study is a case study that investigates how research data is understood and handled as a public record that may be subject to requests for access, and the ethical challenges that arise when principles of transparency intersect with considerations of confidentiality and research integrity. The second sub-study draws on interviews with researchers at Swedish universities and focuses on their experiences, challenges, and strategies in complying with regulations and guidelines concerning data management. The third sub-study is based on interviews with archivists at Sweden’s state universities and examines how the archival profession interprets and implements legal requirements regarding preservation, accessibility, and the principle of public access in relation to research data. By combining these perspectives, the dissertation contributes to a deeper understanding of the interplay between researchers, archivists, and legislation. The findings are expected to shed light on both opportunities and challenges in reconciling the practical needs of research with legal and societal obligations, thereby providing new insights into how sustainable and legally robust management of research data can be promoted within the Swedish higher education sector.