Open research data
Open research data is research data available online to all potential users without restriction. Open access to research data includes the ability to freely use, modify and share the data for any purpose.
Open Research Data (ORD) can take various forms, for example:
- Tables, documents
- Audio and video recordings, pictures, photographs
- Questionnaires, answers to questions, graphs
- Software, script
- Samples, specimens, etc.
For the collection of interconnected data in various forms that relate to a certain experiment, events, etc. a dataset is used. It is described by metadata, stored and shared as unit.
Open data enables the improvement of the research process. The main advantages of open data are considered to be:
- Possibility of further critical research and verification of research result
- Research reproducibility
- Increasing the credibility of scientists
- Higher citation response
- Avoid unnecessary duplication of research. Data do not need to be re-created for further analysis and follow-up research.
- New findings thanks to a combination of research data from various sources
- Streamlining the research process, accelerating the path to new scientific knowledge.
The obligation to store, share and provide data under specified conditions includes the requirements of various grant agencies (e.g. Horizon Europa). The exact requirements of the providers are available on their official website.
In June 2019, the EU approved the European Directive 2019/1024 on open data and re-use of information in the public sector, which is being implemented by member states, including the Czech Republic.