"We expect scientists to share data as an integral part of their research," said Julia Goodfellow, BBSRC chief executive, "and we will provide funds to enable them to do this"
New ways of making sure that UK scientists can make the most of the huge amounts of data coming out of bioscience research are outlined in a policy just published by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
"Our new policy makes it clear that we expect scientists to share data as an integral part of their research," said Julia Goodfellow, BBSRC chief executive.
"And we will provide funds to enable them to do this".
The new policy has been developed following consultation with the research community.
It sets out BBSRC's expectations with regard to data sharing, and the determining of standards and best practice.
Under this policy, all scientists applying for BBSRC research grants must provide a detailed statement on research data sharing.
This will be assessed alongside the rest of their application.
Amanda Collis, BBSRC head of tools and resources, said that the new policy would help to create a research culture in which data sharing is embedded, and that this is expected to help stimulate new research ideas and partnerships between research groups.
