Definition

The article includes a precise description of the dataset(s), including the author, the nature and format of the dataset, the objectives and context of the research, the methodology and process, the date of production, and the conditions of use. Hypotheses and conclusions are generally not included. Datasets are either attached to the article or accessible in the repository where they were deposited.

Data papers may be published in traditional or specialist journals, known as data journals. Encouraged by the National Plan for Open Science (Axis 2), data journals provide a formalized way of sharing data.

Data papers allow data to be published using the same editorial process as scientific articles.

Advantages

  • Searchability and citability:
    • Since the data is published like a traditional article, it is easy to find and cite. A reciprocal link is established between the article and the dataset deposited in the repository.
  • Authorship and credits:
    • As with a conventional article, authorship recognition and accreditation are possible.
  • Volume
    • There is no restriction on data volume, provided that the data is deposited in a repository.
  • Réutilisabilité
    • Reuse of the data is facilitated by its description.

Ressources

There are several interesting pages on the subject.