Data sharing

How can I share data with my collaborators?
Do I need to share my data once the research has finished?
What benefit is there to sharing data?
How can I make my data accessible?
Further reading
Who can help me with data sharing at the University of Glasgow?

How can I share data with my collaborators?

Your local IT support can set up a shared storage area for you and other University colleagues to share data.

If you want to share data with external collaborators during your research, consider:

Wikis, which allow you to collaboratively edit text (all changes are recorded) and upload files for sharing. You can use password protection to restrict access. Services such as wiki.com let you set-up a wiki for free;
Online file sharing services such as Microsoft Sharepoint (supported by University IT Services), Dropbox and Box.net, which store a copy of your files online and allow you to grant others access;
Secure file transfer in which you post your data online for download by colleagues. Your local IT support may be able to arrange this for you, or online services such as Yousendit, Dropio and Box also allow you to send large files;
Sending files by email, which is very convenient but creates multiple copies and is insecure;
Using portable storage media e.g. CDs, memory sticks etc (sent by post / courier as required). Make sure you use encryption if you’re posting sensitive data – see encryption advice on our security page.

Sharing on a peer-to-peer basis doesn’t make it easy for external people to find your data. If you want to increase the visibility of your research and ensure it's properly cited, consider depositing in a data centre.

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Do I need to share my data once the research has finished?

It’s possible there are specific requirements on you to share your data.

Many research funders expect data sharing wherever possible. The Digital Curation Centre provides an overview of funders’ data policies including data sharing requirements;
Some publishers, e.g. the Nature Publishing Group, require authors to make data available as a condition of publishing. There is also a growing trend to link publications to the datasets which underpin the findings;
Research data can be requested under Freedom of Information legislation.

It's easier to meet access requests if your data are organised and well-documented, so plan early.

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What benefit is there to sharing data?

Sharing data can be daunting. Many researchers fear they’ll lose their competitive edge, are wary others will misinterpret their data and have concerns about their methods being open to scrutiny.

There are lots of benefits to be gained though – just think about what you get from using other people’s data. For example, access to data:

Allows independent validation of results;
Increases the impact and visibility of research;
Makes best use of investment by avoiding replication;
Leads to new collaborations and partnerships;
Advances science when datasets are combined in new and innovative ways.

If you plan for data sharing, you can find a method of providing access that you’re comfortable with.

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How can I make my data accessible?

You can deposit your data with specialist data centres, archives and repositories so it’s more widely available. The DCC has a list of UK data centres by discipline, so you can check if there’s provision in your field. It might also be possible to submit your data to your journal too.

Alternatively, you may wish to make certain data and information available on your project or institutional website so you can direct interested parties there rather than handling each request individually.

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University of Glasgow

Data management support for researchers

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Data sharing