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Data Sharing

Sharing data is good. But sharing your own data? That can get complicated. As two research communities who held meetings in May on the issue report their proposals to promote data sharing in biology, a special issue of Nature examines the cultural and technical hurdles that can get in the way of good intentions.

Editorial

  • Data's shameful neglect

    Research cannot flourish if data are not preserved and made accessible. All concerned must act accordingly.

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Feature

  • Data sharing: Empty archives

    Most researchers agree that open access to data is the scientific ideal, so what is stopping it happening? Bryn Nelson investigates why many researchers choose not to share.

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Opinion

  • Prepublication data sharing

    Rapid release of prepublication data has served the field of genomics well. Attendees at a workshop in Toronto recommend extending the practice to other biological data sets.

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  • Post-publication sharing of data and tools

    Despite existing guidelines on access to data and bioresources, good practice is not widespread. A meeting of mouse researchers in Rome proposes ways to promote a culture of sharing.

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Elsewhere in Nature