Why should data be shared?

You’ve just spent the last several years collecting amazing data and now people are telling you to share those data. What does that mean? Why is data sharing so important? This page provides basic information about the role of sharing data in the scientific process, and options for sharing. If you need information on data management and data sharing plans, please see Data Management Plans & Grant Support.

How is sharing data critical to the advancement of science?

• Sharing data maximizes the value of investments in data collection.
• Sharing data demonstrates good stewardship of the time and goodwill offered by individuals participating in your study.
• Sharing data provides opportunities for testing theories and using novel methods to solve problems.
• Sharing data allows for replication and extension of your results.

Sharing data should be a thoughtful decision, taking into consideration data confidentiality and privacy for research participants, promises made in your informed consent documents, your funder’s requirements for data sharing, and the ability for you to demonstrate the impact of your work. For more information see our page on depositing data.