1.7 Why is it important to comply with the GDPR

Meeting the new research requirements is important for several reasons:

• Careful handling of data increases the quality and reliability of the research  and the research results
• Careful use of data can increase the  confidence of citizens and research objects in science
• A violation of the law can lead to  reputation damage and negative media attention to the institution, researchers involved and / or the academic community
• Flagrant violation of legal rules can lead to heavy fines
• Often the compliance with GDPR is explicitly imposed by clients  (eg Horizon 2020, ERC, FWO)
• When submitting publications, journals increasingly ask for compliance with the GDPR