Open data: the benefits and challenges of sharing a precious resource

Data are at the core of science, but traditional journal articles normally deliver a distillation of the raw data gathered by the authors. While the movement towards open access is widely supported by researchers and funding agencies, a 2024 study by IOP Publishing revealed that many scientists still encounter a wide range of practical, ethical and technical barriers when it comes to sharing their data. As a result, the publisher has launched a free online course that aims to give early-career researchers the practical skills and confidence they need to share and manage research data effectively. To talk about the course and IOP Publishing’s open data policy I am joined by Laura Feetham-Walker, who is head of publishing strategy and performance at IOP Publishing. IOP Publishing is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Institute of Physics and it publishes Physics World. You can register for the free course here: “Open Data Excellence“