Sharing Statistical Data in the Biomedical and Health Sciences: Ethical, Institutional, Legal, and Professional Dimensions

Abstract

data as public good INTRODUCTION A 1992 report issued from the National Research Council observes: "The general norms of science emphasize the principle of openness. Scientists are generally expected to exchange research data as well as unique research materials that are essential to the replication or extension of reported findings." (34). While these norms have been acknowledged over centuries, the actual practice of sharing research data has varied widely even within individual disciplines , and until recently it has rarely been instantiated in the form of specific rules and formal mechanisms. Recent technological changes have given new meaning to access to rescarch data, and scientists are questioning whether the principle of scientific openness actually requires providing access to their own research data. What has emerged is the notion of research data as a public good, irrespective of the source of funding for the research. In essence, there appears to be general agreement that research data become a public good when the research results enter into the public domain through publication or formal presentation in some scientific or public policy forum.

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