The Ethics of Data Sharing

Christine Borgman & Jillian Wallis

CENS Ethics Discussion

December 9th, 2005

The 10th Planet: a case study

Even within an established disciplinary culture, publishing rights can be contentious. Two astronomers have laid claim to the discovery of a 10th planet, but data ownership is at best questionable.

• Scientific Priority• Data Security• Scientific Collaboration

Source: Science 23 September 2005, RA Kerr, pp.1972-3.

Potential Problems with Sharing

Data Ownership vs. Control• Intellectual property rights• Obligations to funding agencies

Scientific Collaboration• The rights of each research partner

Disciplinary Differences• Attitudes & culture• What to release? When?

Data Documentation• Copyright, licensing, source information• Creative Commons & Science Commons

Issues to Consider in Posting, Sharing, & Depositing Data

1. Whose data is it?

2. Who can grant permission to use it?

3. What is the status of the data?

Eg. raw, in analysis, in review, published, etc…

4. What are the security or permission requirements?

5. What are your obligations to contribute data?

What? When? To whom?

6. What rights should be granted to others, and what rights should be retained?

7. What documentation should be attached to the data to make them useful to others?