Published digital data, like the use of digitally published literature, depends upon the ability to identify, authenticate, locate, access, and interpret them. Data citations provide necessary support for these functions, as well as other functions such as attribution of credit and establishment of provenance. References to data, however, present new challenges.

This guide is about sharing research data and is intended for those engaged in research involving human subjects which is subject to ethics approval, and for those with a role to play in the Human Research Ethics Committees which oversee the research.