Research Software vs. Research Data I: Towards a Research Data definition in the Open Science context

Area of Science:

• Scientific Research Methodology
• Data Management in Science
• Open Science Practices

Background:

• The concept of Research Software has been recently clarified.
• This study addresses the need for a similar clarification for Research Data.
• Existing literature lacks a comprehensive definition of Research Data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a clear and actionable definition for Research Data.
• To explore the challenges in defining Research Data.
• To provide answers to Borgman's conundrum regarding research data sharing.

Main Methods:

• Reviewing the definition of Research Software, including its legal aspects.
• Analyzing the production of research software within the research environment and Open Science.
• Examining challenges in data definition and existing Research Data definitions.

Main Results:

• Proposed a three-characteristic definition for Research Data: produced for a scientific question, by a scientific team, and linked to a published result.
• The definition facilitates understanding of what, who, why, and to what effect research data should be shared.
• The study provides answers on how and where research data can be managed and shared.

Conclusions:

• The proposed definition of Research Data helps resolve challenges in data sharing and management.
• This work contributes to a better understanding of Research Data within the Open Science framework.
• The findings support the effective dissemination and utilization of research outputs.