The sharing of research data generated from publicly funded research is widely practised internationally. The sharing of research data promotes open scientific inquiry that expedites the translation of research findings into knowledge and applications, to improve human health and healthcare. It promotes novel research that may not have been envisioned by the original researchers, allows synergies from multiple data sources, and enables the sharing of unique data that cannot be easily replicated (such as studies on unique populations). Research data sharing would thus bring about greater returns from the public investment in research.

 

NMRC developed a Framework for Research Data Sharing and Governance to cover broad principles on research data sharing. The Framework requires NMRC-funded projects to allow open access to peer-reviewed publications and to share final research data for projects seeking funding of $250,000 and above. The implementation of the Framework will be in two phases.  The first phase commenced in May 2015, encompassing the open access of publications for all existing and new projects. The requirement for sharing of final research data will be implemented in Phase 2 with the preparation work in progress.

 

To better guide institutions and investigators on handling of research data, NMRC has worked on baseline requirements in the following 6 areas:

Details and clarifications shared at the briefing sessions (in Feb and Aug 2022) can be found in the briefing slides here. The research community will be engaged prior to the implementation of Phase 2.