Searching for and Reusing Data

Reusing research data involves utilizing research data produced by a third party, most often from a different perspective. You may need to reuse data for various reasons:

• To conduct a preliminary study while preparing a research project
• Because your funding agency encourages you to reuse data consolidate the data you have generated 
• Because the data you need is not reproducible
• To reduce the costs of  your project
• To provide context or put perspective the results obtained 

It is best to reuse datasets stored in a certified or reputable data repository.You will find all the information necessary for reuse:

• Metadata documenting the dataset
• An identifier that facilitates citation of the dataset
• A license specifying the conditions under which you can reuse the dataset

If possible, contacting the data producers can be very helpful in gaining a better understanding of their production. Sometimes a data paper is available for a dataset, and it can provide additional information.