Maximising the value of research data: developing incentives and changing cultures

The value of sharing research data is widely recognised by the research community and funders are setting in place stronger policy requirements for researchers to share data. But the costs to researchers in sharing their data can be considerable and the incentives are sometimes few and far between. A recent report from the cross-disciplinary Expert Advisory Group on Data Access (EAGDA) highlights the need for a shift in cultures to provide greater support for researchers in sharing data and greater recognition for those who do it well. Dave Carr and Natalie Banner, from the Wellcome Trust, highlight some of the key findings and recommendations emerging from this work.