Choose a Data Repository

The Data Repository is a platform where you deposit your datasets with the aim of publishing, sharing and/or preserving them. 

How do I find a Data Repository ? "Repository registries"

There are different types of Data Repository. Some are specific to a discipline or field of research, while others are general or multidisciplinary. Finally, some repositories include data from a particular institution. 

You can find disciplinary repositories by using the "Repository registries". These are secondary databases that list research data repositories. These registries offer the ability to search and browse descriptions of data repositories and are a good starting point for identifying an appropriate repository for your needs. Some of these registries are listed below

• re3data.org : a registry covering research data repositories from different scientific disciplines. You can enter the subject of your search in the browser, then add the appropriate filter or browse the results by country. As we recommend using certified data repositories, you can filter on "Certificates" and look for the red icon. Re3data.org also gives you information on providing a permanent identifier.
• FAIRsharing : a multi-disciplinary tool with entries for repositories, data standards and data policies.
• OpenAIRE Explore : the registry indexes publication references and search data from repositories or information provider websites.
• BASE (Bielefeld Academy Search Engine) : data repository operated by Bielefeld University Library. 
• CoreTrustSeal : the registry allows you to search for certified data repositories. "CoreTrustSeal" is a peer-reviewed certification. 

How to choose a Repository ? Selection criteria 

To choose your repository, we suggest that you first look at any criteria set by the organisation funding your research. 

However, there are other important criteria to consider. Here is a list of criteria you should consider.

Does the repository provide a permanent identifier ?

This is a crucial point. When your data has a permanent identifier (PI), such as a DOI (Digital Object Identifier), people will be able to find and access it easily. These are two key points in the FAIR principles of data management promoted by the scientific community. 

Moreover, the people who read or use your data will be able to cite you, just as they cite your articles. Finally, this will give you greater visibility and credit for your work on the data.

Is long-term preservation guaranteed or not ? 

Some repositories guarantee data legibility, even if the hardware and software become obsolete. You should also think about how long you want your data to be kept. For example, your funder or the journal in which you have published an article may have guidelines on the length of retention required. This period may also depend on your discipline: some data becomes obsolete more quickly than others. Some data, on the other hand, deserves to be preserved for the long term. 

So check that the infrastructure offers a number of guarantees as to how long your data will be preserved.

What are the costs per dataset or gigabyte ? 

Repositories differ in their cost model, with some allowing free deposits up to a certain amount of storage. Note that some fundraisers allow you to take this amount of money into account in your project’s budget.

Where is the data physically stored ? 

The location of your data determines the data protection law to which it is subject. Some repositories store data in the US and others in the EU. If your data falls under the GDPR, please check where the data is physically stored as this is a key consideration.

What is the default licence ? 

Some repositories allow you to choose the license setting out the conditions for re-using the data. Please check the terms and conditions of the repository you are considering. If you can choose the type of license for your data, we advise you to opt for one of the Creative Commons licenses.  

Is the repository certified ?  

Repositories with a data seal of approval or "CoreTrustSeal" are recognised by the community as a trustworthy source of data. Check this information when examining the repositories you are considering.