Research data governance (RDG) is crucial for ensuring that research data is protected and managed effectively, thereby upholding its quality, accuracy, and usability. Research performing organizations (RPOs) need to involve the right stakeholders for successful data governance activities. However, the literature reveals a variety of entities to govern research data. The limited reporting on RDG roles hinders the implementation of effective RDG practices within RPOs. Therefore, this study aimed to explore key aspects of RDG roles, including identifying key stakeholders, outlining the structural positions of these roles within RPOs, providing standardized descriptions for each role, and establishing appropriate nomenclature. Data practitioners associated with the MOSP, those experienced in managing research and publication data, and researchers involved in data sharing were invited to participate in the electronic modified Delphi survey. Additionally, a snowball sampling method was used to recruit more participants. Items that received majority consensus were identified as the most suitable options for defining key stakeholders, clarifying their positions within the organization, standardizing role definitions, and determining the nomenclature used. After four rounds of the study, key players, structural positions, standardized descriptions, and ideal nomenclature for the identified RDG roles were established. These findings will serve as a valuable guide for implementing RDG within RPOs. The results offer practical implications, providing a set of best practices that can help RPO leaders consider and implement RDG efforts in their organizations.
