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Free your data: For PLOS Pathogens authors, effective data sharing is easier than ever

Researchers rely on access to scientific data to enhance their understanding of published research, for purposes of verification, replication and reanalysis, to guide future investigations, and to inform systematic reviews or meta-analyses. Depositing data in a repository (as opposed to offering it upon request, or publishing as Supporting Information) further prevents data loss, improves discoverability, and removes barriers to replication and reuse. For all these reasons, PLOS Pathogens is excited to introduce a new technology solution that makes depositing data simpler and more accessible for our authors.

Announcing a PLOS Pathogens / Dryad Integration

As part of a one-year trial beginning October 5, 2021, PLOS Pathogens authors now have the option to upload their data files directly to Dryad Digital Repository during manuscript submission or revision—without even leaving our submission system. It takes just minutes to upload a dataset and receive a unique, citable Dryad DOI. If a manuscript is accepted for publication, the associated dataset will undergo Dryad’s screening and curatorial process and become public on the site, with links to and from the published research article. Datasets that are part of the trial will be hosted in perpetuity at no cost to authors. Thanks to a grant from the Wellcome Trust, we’ll be seeking to deeply understand the experience researchers have with this new solution, and will share what we learn with the community.

Participation is easy and free. Just follow these simple steps.

Making data deposition free & easy

Data repositories like Dryad offer important advantages, including data preservation and tracking, facilitating reproducibility, demonstrating rigor, and attracting citations. This integration offers a simple, intuitive interface that makes depositing data with Dryad a part of our authors’ normal submission workflow. The process is no more challenging than uploading data as Supporting Information, but much more effective as a vehicle for sharing. The year-long trial will show whether a more streamlined process inspires authors to take advantage of the benefits of a data repository.

What comes next

PLOS Pathogens is among the first journals in our field to offer this new service. We look forward to sharing the outcomes of the PLOS Pathogens / Dryad Integration trial with the research and scientific publishing communities, and we welcome your feedback on your experience, both as a submitting author, and a reader referencing deposited datasets.

Updated note: Find out the results of the Dryad Integration trial

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