Research data that does not require any protection is considered green data and can be openly shared from the point of collection. However, it is important to consider that the need for protection may differ when data is stored and modified during the project's lifespan versus when it is archived and the project is completed.
Some factors impose restrictions on how openly research data can be made available. These include personal data, ethical considerations regarding biodiversity, and collaboration with industry.
Research data and personal information
If you have research data containing personal information, it may not be appropriate to share the data openly. Nevertheless, UiO and various funders require that research data be managed in accordance with research data management guidelines so that they can be reused by you or others who are granted access.
For personal data to be reusable, it is important to establish a solid legal basis for processing in advance. This can be achieved through the following:
- Ethical consent for research
- Consent as a basis for processing under the Personal Data Act
- Public interest under the Personal Data Act
UiO does not have a template for the design of consent forms, but on the privacy pages, you will find an overview of requirements and recommendations for how this can be done. The Department of Teacher Education has also collected examples of consent forms from various academic environments for inspiration and assistance in their consent archive. Sikt provides advice to UiO on the Personal Data Act for research projects and has its own templates for information sheets and consent forms.
Ethical considerations for biodiversity
Ethical considerations for research on biodiversity data come with specific recommendations that Norway adheres to.
Collaboration with industry
If the project is a collaboration with industry and a contract has been established to not share the data openly, UiO expects this to be respected.
Legally, there is nothing preventing the sharing of research data that has contributed to a type of innovation. However, there might be obstacles to freely sharing such data if agreements have been made in advance regarding data sharing, such as those with industry partners or other agreements. Additionally, the above-mentioned restrictions also apply to data that is part of an innovation.