Sharing brain imaging data in the Open Science era: how and why?

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Imaging
• Data Science

Background:

• Human neuroimaging data sharing is crucial for advancing imaging biomarkers in neurological and psychiatric disorders.
• Open Science principles present opportunities but also significant challenges for widespread data sharing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and outline the primary opportunities and challenges in sharing human neuroimaging data within the Open Science framework.
• To provide actionable recommendations for overcoming existing barriers to data sharing.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was disseminated to senior scientists in the neuroimaging field.
• Results from the survey were analyzed to identify key themes regarding data sharing practices, opportunities, and challenges.

Main Results:

• The scientific community acknowledges the importance of data sharing but faces obstacles related to technical, legal, and motivational factors.
• Specific technical barriers were identified, and practical advice for their resolution is proposed.

Conclusions:

• Harmonized application of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) across EU countries is needed.
• A system recognizing data generation and sharing as valuable community contributions should be developed to incentivize open science practices.