Data Availability

DATA AVAILABILITY REQUIREMENTS 

The Gates Foundation Open Access Policy requires that the data underlying published research results will be accessible and open immediately. All funded output must include a Data Availability Statement (DAS) describing where the underlying data can be found. 

What is Underlying Data? 

Underlying data includes all primary data, metadata, and any additional information needed to understand, assess, and replicate the study findings. It can be compiled into any file type, with access instructions, code, or supporting files to ensure usability. 

Depositing Your Data 

Before submitting your publication, deposit your data in an appropriate repository for your discipline. Data can be stored in an institutional or generalist repository, with the latter being ideal when a discipline-specific repository is unavailable.  Your repository must provide immediate open access, funder acknowledgment, and an open license (e.g., CC BY, CC0). It should also assign an identifier (e.g., DOI, accession number) to link your data to your publication.

Examples of generalist repositories include: 

• Dataverse 
• Dryad 
• Figshare 
• Zenodo 

For more options visit, the Registry of Research Data Repositories. 

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENTS (DAS) 

A data availability statement (DAS) details where and how the publication’s data can be accessed. A DAS should include where and how the data can be accessed, any access conditions, the dataset version, citation details, and contact information for inquiries. 

• If public data sharing is restricted due to legal or ethical reasons, provide instructions on how users may obtain access 
• Statements such as “All data included in article” or “Data Statement Not Applicable” are not sufficient. 

Customize your DAS as needed: 

• The data associated with this study is available at [Repository Name] + [Identifier or URL] 
• The data associated with this study is not available, [Explanation] 

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