Large-Scale Data Sharing in the Life Sciences: Data Standards, Incentives, Barriers and Funding Models (The 'Joint Data Standards Study')

Lord, P.W., MacDonald, A., Sinnott, R.O., Ecklund, D., Westhead, M. and Jones, A. (2005) Large-Scale Data Sharing in the Life Sciences: Data Standards, Incentives, Barriers and Funding Models (The 'Joint Data Standards Study'). Project Report. National e-Science Centre.

Abstract

Recent studies have demonstrated the value of sharing and re-using data in the life sciences. This study builds on that premise, exploring the practice of sharing data and identifying incentives, facilitators and obstacles to data sharing. In the light of its findings the study presents characteristics of models which support effective, ethical data sharing, to enable first-class, innovative and productive science, within and across disciplines. The study spanned the full spectrum of the life sciences, and all data types and methods. It examined ten case studies, including two comparators from outside the life sciences. These case studies were supplemented by interviews with key informants and by desk research. Key recommendations arising from the study include: insistence on a data management plan, clearly defined remit and goals, sustained work on the development of vocabularies and ontologies, awareness of the needs of archiving and long-term preservation, gathering user input into tools development programmes, and a code of practice for managing and sharing confidential data.

• Item Type: Research Reports or Papers (Project Report)
• Additional Information: Prepared for The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, The Department of Trade and Industry, The Joint Information Systems Committee for Support for Research, The Medical Research Council, The Natural Environment Research Council and The Wellcome Trust.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Sinnott, Professor Richard
• Authors: Lord, P.W., MacDonald, A., Sinnott, R.O., Ecklund, D., Westhead, M., and Jones, A.
• College/School: University Services > IT Services > E-Science
• Publisher: National e-Science Centre