On the right path

75% of the researchers based in Switzerland provide open access to their research data. However, only around 44% do so using public databases, known as repositories. 38% publish the data in journals or on their own websites, the remaining 18% provide the data on request. These figures are taken from a report* published by the SNSF and swissuniversities in May 2019. The report is based on a survey conducted among more than 2,000 researchers.

Why are some of the data still not freely accessible? Many researchers want to publish their work first. Some have their doubts regarding rights of use and confidentiality. The SNSF understands and respects their standpoint. Researchers funded by the SNSF are not required to share data before publishing their work. And the requirement is waived entirely in the event of any sensitive legal or ethical issues.

_{* Von der Heyde, M. (2019). Open Research Data: Landscape and cost analysis of data repositories currently used by the Swiss research community, and requirements for the future.}