This checklist (provided both in Italian and in English) was drawn up by the data stewards of the University of Milan to support researchers and the academic community in the proper management of research data. It highlights 19 steps for effectively planning, collecting, analysing, preserving and sharing research data; also providing useful insights, best practices and resources referencing the University's website dedicated to research data management. Importantly, the University of Milan supports the principles and actions in favour of open management of research data, an indispensable prerequisite for the reproducibility and validation of research, the transparency of processes and open access to the results of science, committing itself to applying the highest standards for their collection, archiving and preservation, as set out in the institutional Policy on Research Data Management.