This article offers information and guidance for researchers interested in using UNC Dataverse to share their research data as part of sponsor data sharing requirements and policies.
In this article:
Is UNC Dataverse the best repository for my research?
UNC Dataverse is a generalist data repository that meets the desirable characteristics outlined by the NIH. While UNC Dataverse preserves and maintains access to all data formats, it offers enhanced support for quantitative tabular data.
It is important to identify a data repository that will best serve your data and future users. You should consider reviewing alternative repositories before choosing UNC Dataverse as there may be a domain-specific repository better suited to supporting your data types and research needs. NIH offers guidance on selecting a data repository, which is also a good resource to keep in mind even if you are going through a different sponsor. Additionally, we recommend visiting NIH-supported Scientific Data Repositories for a descriptive table of data repositories.
UNC Dataverse Features
- Accepts multiple data types (e.g., numeric, text, geospatial) and any file format.
- Persistent identifiers and data citations to enable discovery and identifiability.
- Standardized metadata to support discovery and reuse.
- Long-term preservation and access with a robust repository platform, routine backups, and technical safeguards.
- Multiple licenses and custom terms to communicate appropriate uses.
- File restrictions and embargoes to control access.
Note: UNC Dataverse cannot accept sensitive data (i.e., PII, PHI, proprietary or copyrighted data).
Data Management and Sharing Plan Boilerplate Language
Please feel free to use the language below to describe UNC Dataverse and its features within your data management and sharing plan. Additional information may need to be provided depending on the funding agency’s requirements, so please review relevant data sharing policies and mandates.
[Description of dataset(s)] will be deposited in the UNC Dataverse, a trustworthy, generalist data repository managed by the Research Data Management Core at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. UNC Dataverse provides persistent identifiers, robust standardized metadata, and is committed to long-term preservation and access of research data. Data are published under a CC0 license by default with customizable terms of use as needed. Additionally, UNC Dataverse is routinely backed up and preserved on multiple geographically distributed servers and is a member of Data-PASS, a community committed to the sustainability and access of research data.
Resources
NIH Selecting a Data Repository: https://grants.nih.gov/policy-and-compliance/policy-topics/sharing-policies/dms/selecting-a-data-repository
NIH-supported Scientific Data Repositories: https://grants.nih.gov/policy-and-compliance/policy-topics/sharing-policies/accessing-data/scientific#nih-controlled-access-data-repositories