Biomarkers

Data sharing within international collaborations enhances research by expanding dataset diversity, improving reproducibility, and fostering cross-border knowledge exchange- leading to stronger evidence and scientific discoveries. However, little is known about AD/ADRD investigators with international collaborations and their data-sharing practices and experiences. Understanding these patterns is essential for optimizing global research and ensuring equitable participation. This study characterizes AD/ADRD researchers working with and without international collaborators and examines their data-sharing practices and experiences.

A NIH-funded survey (NIH-1R01AG080093-01) collected self-reported cross-sectional data on data-sharing practices and experiences. This analysis examined whether working with international collaborators influenced data-sharing practices or experiences. Demographics, data-sharing practices, and experiences were compared between groups using Chi-squared tests (α < 0.05), with Benjamini-Hochberg correction for multiple comparisons.

Of the 585 survey respondents, 193 (33%) worked with international collaborators. Gender [χ²(2) = 9.27, p =  0.009] and race/ethnicity [χ²(3) = 13.24, p =  0.004] distributions significantly differed, with men (60.6% vs. 50.3%) and White researchers (73.6% vs. 61.1%) more represented among those working with international collaborators. Researchers with international collaborations had longer research experience [χ²(3) = 35.99, p < 0.001], with more having conducted ADRD research for 20+ years (23.3% vs. 10.9%). They were more often ADRC investigators (38.9% vs. 26.4%) [χ²(1) = 8.79, p =  0.003] and more likely to analyze/generate data outside the U.S. (25.9% vs. [χ²(1) = 94.71, p < 0.001]. Additionally, they had higher publication rates, with 26.9% publishing 11+ articles vs. 10.1% [χ²(2) = 36.95, p < 0.001]. They were also more likely to make (64.1% vs. 38.6%) [χ²(1) = 32.35, p < 0.001] and receive (59.1% vs. 37.0%) [χ²(1) = 24.39, p < 0.001] formal data-sharing requests. However, researchers with international collaborators were more likely to report negative data-sharing outcomes (43.8% vs. 20.3%) [χ²(1) = 14.88, p < 0.001]. All p-values remained significant after multiple comparison correction.

These findings highlight the role of international collaborations in advancing AD/ADRD research through data sharing, while revealing disparities in researcher representation. Future studies should examine mechanisms linking international collaboration with data-sharing practices and their broader impact on AD/ADRD research equity.