JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The European Commission is funding projects that aim to establish data sharing platforms. These platforms are envisioned to enhance and facilitate the sharing of cohort data internationally. Nevertheless, broad data sharing may be restricted by the lack of adequate recognition for those who share data.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to describe in-depth the concerns around acquiring credit for data sharing within epidemiological research.

Methods:

A total of seventeen participants linked to data sharing platforms were recruited for a semi-structured interview. Transcripts were analyzed through inductive content analysis.

Results:

Interviewees recognized that data sharing within international projects can challenge authorship guidelines in multiple ways. Some respondents considered that the acquisition of credit for articles with extensive author lists can be problematic in some instances, such as for junior researchers. Additionally, universities may be critical of researchers that share data too often in proportion to them leading research. Some considered that the evaluation system undervalues data generators and specialists. Respondents generally looked favorably upon alternatives to the current evaluation system to potentially ameliorate these issues.

Conclusions:

The evaluation system might impede data sharing due to mainly focusing on first and last authorship, and undervaluing contributor work. Further movement of crediting models towards contributorship could potentially address this issue. Appropriate crediting mechanisms need to be developed that are aligned with way science ought to be conducted in the future.