A Protocol for Assessing Open Data Practices: Honours Students Can Lead the Way. v1

Introduction The culture of scientific research is increasingly recognising the importance of Open Data. Open Data practices involve making research data freely available for others to use, which promotes research integrity, collaboration, and resource efficiency. This protocol aims to assess the openness and FAIRness (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) of data shared in bioscience research publications. By following this protocol, researchers can systematically evaluate the data-sharing practices in their institutions, thus contributing to a broader culture of open data. This protocol documents the methodology used in the bioscience research field at the University of Edinburgh. The main purpose is to provide a comprehensive and replicable framework that can be adopted by other departments or research domains to evaluate and enhance their data-sharing practices. By sharing this methodology, we invite other institutions and departments to use this protocol to advance the culture of open data in their respective fields. Objective and GoalsObjectiveThe primary objective of this protocol is to evaluate the data-sharing practices in research publications. This involves assessing the completeness, reusability, accessibility, and licensing of data associated with published papers; recording research-related variables such as data types; and publication-related variables such as data availability statements. Goals To provide a structured and consistent methodology for assessing open data practices in bioscience research. To identify trends and challenges in data sharing across different research fields and over time. To promote the adoption of open data practices by highlighting successful examples and areas needing improvement. To encourage Honours students and interns to apply this protocol in their research projects, thus fostering a culture of open data from an early stage in their careers. To encourage other institutions and departments to evaluate their data-sharing practices using this documented methodology, thus fostering a culture of open data across the biosciences.