Step 6: Data reuse
Introduction
In order to reuse data, it must first be published and found. Ideally, research into available studies and research data should have been carried out during the planning stage of the research project. Generic and subject-specific platforms and research data repositories are useful for this purpose (see Excursus: Finding and selecting repositories).
When reusing data, its completeness and accuracy play an important role in addition to its format. Therefore, care should be taken during data collection, analysis, and publication, and appropriate formats should be selected.
The 19 guidelines of the Code of Conduct for Good Scientific Practice [1] also include the citation of publications, which includes data publications. When research data is reused in a research project, good scientific practice dictates that it be treated in the same way as, for example, paper publications: the data publications are cited.
The growing importance of open access means that research data is also increasingly freely available. An important aspect here is that this also applies to metadata, which can therefore be searched. In general, the license must be taken into account when reusing data. Among other things, Creative Commons licenses play an important role in open access publications.
Legal aspects & ethics
When reusing research data, important legal aspects must be taken into account. The applicable licenses must be observed in order to avoid copyright infringements (see excursus Legal aspects in RDM). A clear legal basis, such as the consent of the persons concerned, is required for the processing of personal data. The rights of the persons concerned, such as information, correction, deletion, and objection, must be preserved. Data may only be reused for specified and legitimate purposes; for other purposes, a new legal basis or renewed consent is required.