How to share datasets with researchers on academic platforms?

Academic datasets can be shared with researchers effectively through dedicated data repositories or academic platforms. This process involves preparing, describing, uploading, and controlling access to the data files. Successful sharing requires selecting a suitable platform based on discipline norms and data type. Data must be thoroughly documented with metadata adhering to FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable). Ethical considerations and institutional review board (IRB) approval must be addressed, alongside applying an appropriate usage license. Persistent identifiers (like DOIs) should be obtained for reliable citation. Access controls (e.g., public, embargoed, managed) must be configured according to sensitivity and consent terms. To implement sharing, first prepare and anonymize data, selecting a disciplinary repository (e.g., GenBank, ICPSR, institutional repository) or generalist platform (e.g., Figshare, Zenodo, Dryad). Upload the dataset, provide comprehensive metadata including methodology and variable descriptions, assign a license (e.g., Creative Commons), and set access permissions. Finally, share the dataset's persistent identifier (DOI) with collaborators or publish it alongside related research articles, facilitating discovery, reuse, and collaboration. This promotes transparency and accelerates scientific progress.