Funder open data policies

The ARC aims to maximise the value of publicly funded research by encouraging responsible management and, where possible, sharing of research data.

For ARC grants, researchers are expected to: 

• Outline how they plan to manage research data arising from ARC-funded research.
• If successful, prepare a detailed research data management plan that is in place prior to the commencement of the project.
• Align data management plans with the responsibilities outlined in the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2018.
• Ensure metadata be made open access in an institutional repository as soon as possible, but no later than three months after publication

The ARC does not mandate open access to research data. However, researchers are encouraged to deposit data arising from research projects in publicly accessible repositories, where possible.

The NHMRC encourages researchers to maximise the reuse potential of their data and to take reasonable steps to make data and associated metadata openly available wherever possible.

For NHMRC grants, researchers are expected to: 

• Develop a data management plan at the start of each project that addresses collection, curation, quality assurance, storage, preservation and dissemination in an appropriate manner.
• Deposit data and metadata in a well-curated, accessible repository, using open licences such as CC BY where appropriate.
• Provide a data sharing statement in publications describing how to access underlying data and any conditions of access.
• Include sufficient metadata to support interpretation and reuse. Ensure metadata be made open access in an institutional repository as soon as possible, but no later than three months after publication
• Manage sensitive or confidential data through controlled access arrangements with appropriate security and ethical safeguards.
• Cite and acknowledge data sources when reusing shared datasets.

Researchers are encouraged to adhere to the F.A.I.R. (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) Principles and CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance.

For more information on best-practice guidance to consider when preparing a research data management plan, see policies, guidelines and best practice.