This page points to commonly applicable research data policies from the University and federal agencies. Different policies may apply to your data depending on who is conducting the research and how it is funded. For customized guidance on navigating the policies that apply to your research, please contact the Research Data Service to set up a consultation.
University Research Data Policies
- General Rules – In particular Article III (INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY), Sections 5, 4, 2(a) and 2(d)
- Information Security Policy (FO-36)
- Illinois Data Bank Policies
Federal Research Data Policies
- The federal definition of “research data” is found in section 2 CFR § 200.315(e)(3) of the Uniform Guidance.
- SPARC provides a summary of U.S. Federal Public Access Policies and tracks updates from agencies such as NSF, NIH, NEH and many more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Question: Who owns research data created at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign?
Answer: Unless stated differently during a legally-binding negotiation, per Article III of the General Rules (see link above), the University of Illinois retains ownership of “original data.”
Question: Do I have to share research data?
Answer: Data sharing is strongly encouraged by many funding agencies and journals. However, most stop short of saying that it is an explicit requirement because some data (such as human subject data or proprietary data) many not be readily shared.