Data Repositories

Data repositories are used for storing, providing access to, and preserving research data over the long term. They are a key component of Open Science infrastructure and support transparency, reusability, and the sharing of scientific outputs in line with the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).

Selecting an appropriate repository is an important step in research data management. The chosen repository should match the type of data, the requirements of the funding provider, and the policies of the research institution. Conditions and requirements for data management are often defined directly in project documentation. Researchers are expected to follow them and ensure compliance with the funder’s rules.

How to Choose a Suitable Repository?

When selecting a repository, consider the following criteria:

• disciplinary focus and supported data formats,
• requirements of the funding provider (e.g., grant agencies, EU),
• data access options (open or restricted),
• assignment of persistent identifiers (e.g., DOI),
• long-term availability and trustworthiness of the operator.

Types of Data Repositories

1. Disciplinary Repositories
   Specialized repositories focused on specific scientific disciplines (e.g., biology, chemistry, sociology). They support data in field-specific formats and ensure standardized metadata descriptions.

1. Institutional Repositories
   Operated by universities or research institutions to serve their staff and students. They often support both publications and research data.

1. Multidisciplinary Repositories
   Accept data across various disciplines, often without requiring institutional affiliation. Common examples include Zenodo or Figshare.

1. National Catch-all Repository
   A repository of last resort, intended for cases where no suitable alternative is available. It is being developed under the National Repository Platform project, with its launch planned for the second half of 2025.

Recommended Repositories

For storing research data, we recommend using one of the trusted repositories below: