International Journal of Structural Biology - Data Archiving Permissions
Responsible data sharing that protects participants and strengthens science
Data Availability Requirements
International Journal of Structural Biology supports responsible data sharing for macromolecular structures and associated experimental data.
Deposition in community repositories such as PDB, EMDB, or BMRB is expected when applicable and should be referenced in the manuscript.
All submissions must include a Data Availability Statement describing where underlying data can be accessed and any restrictions that apply.
Acceptable options include public repositories, controlled access, availability upon reasonable request, or embargoed release with a clear timeline.
Authors are encouraged to share coordinate files, structure factors, cryo-EM maps, restraints, and validation reports when possible.
Where possible, assign DOIs to datasets so they can be cited and tracked alongside the article.
If embargoes apply, specify the timeline and rationale. Data statements should clarify licensing terms and restrictions.
For third party datasets, describe access criteria and expected response timelines for requests.
Provide experimental metadata such as beamline, microscope settings, sample preparation, and processing workflows.
Include software versions, refinement parameters, and validation metrics to support reproducibility.
Data citation improves recognition for shared resources and strengthens reuse tracking across platforms.
If data cannot be shared, explain why and consider providing aggregated or summarized results to support verification.
Provide clear data access instructions to reduce delays for readers and reviewers.
Use controlled access repositories when privacy concerns limit open sharing.
Include codebooks and variable definitions to support secondary analysis.
For imaging data, include resolution, magnification, and analysis methods.
Data Sharing Quick View
- Data availability statement required
- PDB, EMDB, or BMRB identifiers preferred
- Controlled access for restricted data
- Include code and validation reports when possible
- Provide accession numbers for structures
- State embargoes or restrictions clearly
- Use standard file formats
- Cite datasets in references
Data Integrity Notes
Strong data practices improve trust and support reuse.
Repository Alignment
Use PDB, EMDB, or BMRB identifiers to connect structures to publications.
Embargo Management
Clarify release timelines and access terms for sensitive datasets.
Documentation
Provide metadata, processing notes, and validation reports.
Preservation
Use repositories that commit to long term access and version control.
Study Type Expectations
Data sharing expectations vary by study design.
Experimental Structure Data
ExperimentalDeposit coordinates, maps, and validation reports when experimental structures are reported.
- Provide PDB, EMDB, or BMRB identifiers
- Include structure factors or map files
- Share validation reports and key metrics
- Provide accession numbers in the manuscript
Computational Models
ComputationalShare model files, input data, and code needed for reproduction.
- Provide model coordinates and inputs
- Include software versions and parameters
- Share scripts and workflows
- Document model validation steps
Data Sharing Expectations
Use this quick table to align data type and access level.
| Data Type | Expectation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Coordinates | Deposit in PDB | Provide accession identifiers |
| Cryo-EM maps | Deposit in EMDB | Include FSC and validation |
| NMR data | Deposit in BMRB | Include restraints and metadata |
Data Callouts
These statements are checked early in editorial screening.
Sensitive Data Handling
Use controlled access repositories when confidentiality, contractual, or legal limits apply.
Reproducibility Support
Share code, protocols, and metadata to enable validation and reuse when possible.
Archiving Workflow
Use these steps to prepare data for sharing.
Select Repository
Choose established repositories such as PDB, EMDB, BMRB, Zenodo, or Figshare.
Prepare Documentation
Include metadata, processing notes, and validation reports for reuse.
Write Data Statement
Describe access conditions, licensing terms, and any embargo timelines in the manuscript.
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Points
- Include data availability statements in every manuscript.
- Align data sharing with funder and institutional policies.
- Data citation improves recognition and reuse tracking.
Submit Your Manuscript
Publish with transparent data policies and open access visibility.
For assistance, contact us at [email protected]