What is FAIR research data?

Open access to research data can provide significant value to researchers, businesses, and citizens by enabling new knowledge and discoveries. Increased access to data can also contribute to more efficient research through the reuse of data and can strengthen research integrity in Danish research.

About the FAIR principles

FAIR consists of four guiding principles for making research data:

  • Findable
    This ensures searchable evidence that a dataset exists, even when the dataset itself is not directly accessible.

  • Accessible
    Information should be provided on how access can be granted 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, so that others can open the datasets, work with them, and combine them with data from similar projects.

  • Reusable
    The necessary information should be provided to clearly describe the context in which a dataset was created, and the conditions for reuse should also be specified.

Researchers should follow the FAIR principles when sharing data with others within their research field. This will support the reuse of data across technical, geographical, and disciplinary boundaries, promote research collaboration, and have a positive impact on the societal value of research.

Learn more

About the FAIR principles on GO FAIR's website