Data Availability

Every research manuscript must include a Data Availability statement that explains where the supporting data or materials can be accessed, or why access is restricted or not applicable. This policy covers access arrangements only. The quality of research records is addressed under Data and Reproducibility.

1. Information to Provide
The statement should identify the data, corpus, code, instruments, or other supporting materials concerned. Where available, it should give a repository DOI, an accession number, or a stable link. It should also state any conditions, restrictions, or application procedure for access. If no new data were generated or analyzed, the statement should say so and, where relevant, identify the public sources used.

Sharing in a suitable repository is encouraged where this is lawful and ethically appropriate. Public deposit is not required in every case, particularly where legitimate restrictions apply.

2. Restricted or Controlled Access
Restrictions may arise from participant consent, privacy, confidentiality, cultural protocols, third-party rights, contracts, or other valid obligations. The statement must explain the reason for the restriction and, where one exists, identify a lawful route to access.

Authors must not promise access that they cannot provide. A statement that data are “available on request” must name the contact person or custodian, the conditions that apply, and any limits on access.

Where data cannot be shared, the statement should describe the restriction. Authors should also consider whether non-sensitive documentation or aggregated data can support the assessment without compromising protection.

3. Example Statements

  • Public deposit: The supporting data are available in [repository] at [persistent identifier], under [access or license terms].
  • Restricted access: The data are not publicly available because [reason]. Requests may be addressed to [custodian], subject to [conditions], where access is permitted.
  • Materials included in the article: The data supporting the reported results are included in the article and its published supplementary materials.
  • No new data: No new data were generated or analyzed in this study.

These examples must be adapted to the actual research before use.

4. Licensing and Updates
The article’s CC BY 4.0 license does not automatically apply to separately deposited datasets or software. Authors must state the actual terms that apply to these materials and must not assign rights they do not hold.

Inaccurate access statements must be corrected, and any material change affecting availability must be reported to the journal. Amendments to published articles follow the Correction and Scholarly Record Update procedures. The placement of the statement is specified in the Author Guidelines.