U-M's Public Access to Research Data Working Group Report

Abstract

Universities are under growing pressure to provide support to researchers in managing, sharing, and preserving the data they generate. Funding agencies, publishers, and other external stakeholders have instituted requirements that research data be made publicly available to those seeking to better understand the research process, to replicate or reproduce the research, or to re-use the data that was collected to conduct new research. These requirements were introduced as the result of efforts by forward thinking researchers and the general public to open scientific inquiry, build trust in research, and promote good research practices.

The University of Michigan (U-M) has responded with resources and services to help researchers fulfill their data sharing obligations; however, much of the data generated at UM remains largely inaccessible. Furthermore, in a recent survey, a high percentage of principal investigators at U-M reported that their data management responsibilities constitute a substantial workload. Moreover, the scope and extent of data sharing requirements from funding agencies and expectations for access to research data continue to deepen and evolve. To retain our considerable advantage in attracting research funding and to preserve our research reputation, U-M needs to become a leader in making data publicly accessible. We should take on this leadership role, not just to respond to ever increasing expectations for access to data, but to anticipate and exceed them.