Data from: Data management, archiving and sharing for biologists and the role of research institutions in the technology-oriented age

Data are one of the primary outputs of science. Although certain sub-disciplines of biology have pioneered efforts to ensure their long-term preservation and facilitate collaborations, data continue to disappear, owing mostly to technological, regulatory and ideological hurdles. In this review, we describe the important steps towards proper data management and archiving, and provide a critical discussion on the importance of long term data conservation. We then illustrate the rise in data archiving through the Joint Data Archiving Policy and the Dryad Digital Repository. In particular, we discuss data integration and how the limited availability of large scale datasets can hinder new discoveries. Finally, we propose solutions to increase the rate of data preservation. For example, by generating mechanisms insuring proper data management and archiving, by providing training in data management, and by transforming the traditional role of research institutions and libraries as data generators towards managers and archivers.

数据是科学研究的核心产出之一。尽管生物学的部分子学科已率先开展相关工作，以保障数据的长期留存并推动协作研究，但受技术、监管及理念层面的障碍影响，数据仍持续流失。在本综述中，我们阐述了规范数据管理与归档的关键步骤，并就数据长期保护的重要性展开批判性探讨。随后，我们以联合数据归档政策（Joint Data Archiving Policy）与Dryad数字仓储（Dryad Digital Repository）为例，展示了数据归档领域的发展态势。其中，我们重点讨论了数据集成问题，以及大规模数据集的可用性不足如何阻碍新科学发现的产生。最后，我们提出了可提升数据留存速率的解决方案：例如建立保障数据规范管理与归档的机制、开展数据管理相关培训，以及推动研究机构与图书馆从传统的数据生成者角色，向数据管理者与归档者转型。