Data derived from an existing datasets or pre-existing data
FAIR for data derived from an existing dataset
The reuse of data for research is at the core of the FAIR principles, and can both speed up research and lower the cost.
For general information on making your data FAIR, view the following information:
Special considerations
Finding data
Guidance on finding and reusing data is available from the University Library. There are a number of repositories and catalogues of datasets that can be searched and used.
The following guidance can also be applied to other types of pre-existing data such as newspaper articles, books, photos, maps etc. While all of the alternatives mentioned might not be suitable, some most certainly are.
Permissions
You should keep a record of data and where it was found, as this will help you later in your research if you want to make your outputs available. It is essential that you check the terms and conditions of the data that you wish to use. Some key questions to consider include the following:
Are the data publicly available and will they continue to be?
It is rare that a licence will be changed or data removed from a repository, but it is always worth checking before making your research outputs available to others.
Are there restrictions on sharing the data and data derived from them?
While data may be available to see and download, that doesn't always automatically mean that it is usable for any reason (e.g. consent to share data is not the same as consent for its reuse by other researchers). Different parts of the data may also have different restrictions (e.g. a data schema may be usable, but not the actual data itself). Data may also only be available to answer certain questions, although these could be broad in scope.
Do arrangements have to be made with the original researcher(s)?
If so, make sure you allow plenty of time for the original researchers to respond to your request. Ensure your request specifies in as much detail as possible the uses to which you would like to put the data, and the specific permissions you are requesting. You should contact Research Services if you require guidance in formulating your request.
Data Sharing Agreement (DSA)
Some data providers will require a signed DSA before allowing access to or transfer of the data. All DSAs should be approved by an authorised signatory in Research Services. Requests should be made through the MyResearch service in MUSE, under RS Agreements System. Guidance from the Contracts and Agreements team within Research Services can also be sought directly via their contact details.
Don’t assume you can share data just because they are available online
This is a key point which underpins all of the above. You can find some broad guidance on copyright and related rights issues around the use of publicly available datasets in OpenAire's Guide for Researchers 'How do I know if my research data is protected?'.
Alternatives to open data
It is unlikely to be possible to share data and code where data is drawn from an existing context/dataset (e.g. NHS patient data) where the data owner does not allow any further sharing of the data, either in its original form or when processed, linked, redacted or deidentified.
If it’s not appropriate to share, you might consider taking one or more of the following steps, all of which can incorporate one or more aspects of the FAIR principles:
