Our new policy on sharing research data: what it means for you

Dave Carr, one of Wellcome’s Open Research team, explains the thinking behind our new policy on managing and sharing research data, software and research materials, and what it means for researchers.

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How the new policy is different

This new policy supersedes our previous policy on data management and sharing, and recognises the need for a more holistic view of outputs management.

We recognise that in addition to data outputs, many of our funded researchers generate original software and research materials, such as antibodies, cell lines or reagents. These are of significant value to other researchers and are crucial to anyone seeking to validate or replicate the research.

The key change is that if you’re applying for funding you will now be asked to provide a broader outputs management plan that sets out how you will manage and share significant data, software or materials to ensure the greatest benefit to health and research.

Our new approach recognises that the best means of managing research outputs will vary considerably from grant to grant. In some instances, sharing outputs widely with other users may ensure the greatest benefit results. But, in other cases, limits on sharing will be required – eg to safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of research participants, or to ensure intellectual property protection is secured and used to develop a new healthcare product or innovation.

We also recognise that managing and sharing data, software and materials has a cost, and that the level of effort needs to be proportionate to the likely value of the outputs and extent of user demand.

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