Understanding data access statements

The Open Research team has shared their guide to data access statements, and where to get more help and support here at LJMU. 

Data access statements explained

Data access statements, also referred to as data availability statements, are included in publications to indicate where the data supporting the publication can be found and the conditions under which it can be accessed. These statements are mandatory for all publications resulting from publicly funded research, such as those backed by UKRI, and are often required by various funders' data policies.

Where to provide the data access statement 

Some journals now offer a dedicated section for the data access statement within the paper. If no specific section is available, it is advisable to include the statement in the acknowledgements section. Additionally, a formal data citation can be added within the main references or in a designated data citation section.

What to include in your data access statement 

Many journals no longer accept vague statements indicating that data is available upon request from the author. Instead, they expect more permanent data sharing solutions to be outlined in the data access statement. Unless your datasets are exceptionally large or highly restricted, consider submitting your data for access.

Examples of data access statements

Contact the Open Research team

If you have nay questions about data access statements, or other research queries, please email the Open Research team.