What is FAIR research data?

Open Access to research data can be of significant value to researchers, businesses, and citizens by enabling new knowledge and discoveries. Increased access to data can also contribute to greater efficiency in research through data reuse and can strengthen research integrity in Danish research.

About the FAIR Principles

FAIR comprises four guiding principles for making research data:

  • Findable
    Data should be accompanied by sufficient metadata to make it possible to discover and establish the existence of a dataset, including where the dataset itself is not directly accessible.

  • Accessible
    Information should be provided on how access can be obtained to datasets that can be shared through data repositories or by other means.

  • Interoperable
    Common standards and/or vocabularies for file formats, metadata and data documentation should be used wherever possible, enabling others to access and work with datasets and combine them with data from similar research projects.

  • Reusable
    Sufficient information should be provided to make clear the context in which a dataset was created, as well as the conditions under which it may be reused. 

Researchers should apply the FAIR Principles when sharing data with others within their respective research fields. This will support the reuse of data across technical, geographical and disciplinary boundaries, promote research collaboration and contribute positively to the societal value of research.

Learn More

About the FAIR Principles on GO FAIR website