Takes care of data. David Rayner at SND wants researchers to be more careful with their material.
Life as a natural science researcher often involves collecting data. There are several good reasons to store that information in open archives for research data, according to David Rayner at the Swedish National Data Service (SND).
– Not least because your research data can disappear. If you have shared them via an open archive, that risk is reduced, he says.
Shared data also provides opportunities to improve one’s work.
– You open up to, for example, the possibility of receiving important opinions before your article is published. If you are transparent, the credibility of your research is strengthened, says David Rayner, who is connected to C2B2 as an expert on data storage.
Anyone who shares their data publicly also creates potential for other researchers to pay attention to the work and build on it.
– It creates ripples on the water. When your data is cited, others will discover your research.
Many times research journals and financiers also require that research data be reported in a transparent manner.
Another strong reason to share is that information stored in an open archive leads a significantly safer life. According to David Rayner, it is not entirely unusual for researchers to store their data on platforms that have been shut down or changed in such a way that the material has disappeared.
– People have seen research data go up in smoke for good because they didn’t use platforms dedicated to long-term storage, he says.
According to David Rayner, it is a common misconception that data in an open archive must be freely downloadable.
– But that’s not the case, it can be limited in different ways.
C2B2 supports the so-called FAIR model. It requires data to be stored securely with sustainable availability, regardless of whether it is shared freely or if researchers must apply for access.
– We are convinced of the importance of marine research data being shared widely, everyone wins, says David Rayner.
And for those who have not yet found a method to archive their material in an effective and safe way, he and his colleagues at SND offer to contribute with concrete advice.
– Just get in touch. Taking care of data in a safe way is something of a mission for us, we are happy to help, he says.