Practise open research

The University supports the academic freedom of researchers to pursue new knowledge, and to choose the best means of dissemination; but within that free choice, the University encourages researchers to make their research outputs and, where appropriate, the accompanying data, “as open as possible, as closed as necessary”.

Sharing research data

Learn about data sharing considerations and solutions at different stages of your research project.

Reproducible research

Ensure your research can be successfully replicated by others, work through this checklist:

  • Data quality - record your data using "tidy data" (Wickham, 2014) principles, so that every element can be easily processed and analysed.
  • Documentation - Document your study's procedures, allowing others to understand and reproduce your findings. Record in an open text format.
  • File naming - Establish a consistent naming convention at the start of your project. Name files consistently and logically to enhance retrieval.
  • Folder structure - Create a standard folder structure for organising files. Prefix folders by number to reflect your workflow steps. Record the folder structure in a README.txt file.
  • Automation - Automate repetitive tasks (including spreadsheet macros, reusable scripts, and programming pipes and loops) to save time and reduce potential errors.
  • Version control - Incorporate a system that allows you to keep track of changes to your data, files or processes. Keep master files separate and use copies of the data for processing.
  • Cloud backups - Keep a copy of your data (working, raw and completed) in cloud-based storage. Compare the different Griffith Research Storage options.
  • Security - Establish strong passwords and use a password manager. Encrypt your computer’s hard drive and connect to the Griffith network using VPN when off-campus.
  • De-identification - De-identify or separate sensitive data early, to protect participants privacy, vulnerable species or locations. Replace identifiers with codes or keys.
  • Object IDs - Assign a DOI to completed research data, publications, and other outputs to make discoverable.

Learn about reproducible research

Publish Open Access

Find quality open access options available to researchers.

Common concerns

What about copyright?

Use a Creative Commons licence or other copyright licences that allow you to retain copyright and share your work openly, maximising re-use while requiring that your work is appropriately attributed and cited.

Read copyright matters

Will I have to pay an Article Processing Charge?

Only if you choose a publisher with this business model. Search the Directory of Open Access Journals to find publishers that don't have an APC , or those with a Read and publish agreement. Alternatively, deposit your research outputs in Symplectic Elements to make visible in GRO.

My data is sensitive

Some data may never be shared due to risks to privacy, although with appropriate measures in place, most sensitive data can be shared. To share sensitive data responsibly, you must obtain participants’ informed consent. Get practical guidance on protecting personal information in research studies from the Research ethics manual and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner. Manage your risk of disclosure via the Five Safes Framework, used by organisations such as the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Learn about licensing for data re-use

Want to take it further?

You can contribute to open research by:

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