Why share research data?
Moreover, data sharing helps to ensure that funder and stakeholder requirements are met because most research funding organisations oblige to open the data collected during research funded by them as early as possible, especially the results that underlie the publications produced by the project (see the section on funder requirements).
How can research data be shared?
Research data can be shared by publishing the data in a data repository. Small-scale datasets can be shared as appendices and supplements to publications. There is also the possibility of publishing a data paper. A data paper introduces and provides a detailed commentary to a dataset published in a repository. The majority of data papers are submitted to a specific type of journals called "data journals", but some of traditional journals accept data papers as well.
Shared data should be accompanied by relevant metadata and presented in a way that allows interested parties to reuse them in their research or other activities.
If the dataset that is being shared is related to a publication (e.g. used as supporting evidence), its metadata should include a link to the publication (preferably in the form of a persistent identifier).
The means needed to maximise the reusability of the data are well summarised in the FAIR Data Principles.
Need some advice?
Questions on topics related to research data management can be directed to Dr Gintė Medzvieckaitė from the Scientific Information and Data Division.
Scholarly Communication and Information Centre
Saulėtekio al. 5 (Block B, 4th floor, Room 403)
Phone: +370 5 219 5062
Email:
Contact via MS Teams
The Scientific Information and Data Division also offers training events on topics related to Open Science and research data management. Please contact the Head of Scientific Information and Data Division Gitana Naudužienė if you would like to request a training activity in English (a group of 5 or more attendees is required).