Most of research groups are keeping their original Raw data files as long as it is needed. However, once publication got accepted or grant got funded, usually need more space for the new experiments. I wonder if is there any one who really keeps his/ her own published raw materials & files for longer times. how long do you expect getting a journal‘s letter? Here is an example for learning experience, I’d like to share here. Very interesting to withdraw an article 16 years after publication! Definitely all the respect to both journal and authors. http://m.jbc.org/content/294/48/18518.long?view=long&pmid=31784479
What do you think? What would your response be to a similar scenario? I know the best one are preventive measures...
Reda,
You can keep 'unpublished' raw data for as long as you wish - as long as no-one can access it. You may just be keeping it for 'nostalgia'. That choice is yours - but then you have to question 'why are you collecting data just to keep it?' Who knows - you may become the next Einstein - and it would be useful for you and yours to keep it for historical/financial reasons. However, if you intend to publish it, established ethics committees will ask you to state how long the data will be stored before it is destroyed. The 'norm' is usually between 3-5 years.
Appreciate your comments Dr. Whitehead, on which I couldn't agree more! I also do like your "norm", it makes sense as 3-5 yrs sounds more logic than 16! Thanks.
You can make the dataset publicly available, which will help improve your citation index, while at the same time helping other researchers in your field.
That is great point, Dr Parekh! Data-sets will be available as long as website(s) stay(s) free and available & well maintained, plus citations-->Wonderful situations! However, think about data-sets in TB size and hosting servers charge for them per year, may be not a lot, but this will limit keeping them for longer time on server... just limitations. Thanks again.
Appreciate your comm, Prof Azer! Sounds a great opportunity for both the journal and authors!
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