International Journal of Thorax - Data Archiving Permissions
Responsible data sharing that protects participants and strengthens science
Data Availability Requirements
International Journal of Thorax supports responsible data sharing for clinical, translational, and population health research.
Data sharing must protect participant privacy and comply with ethical, legal, and institutional requirements.
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.
For clinical trials, provide registry information and data sharing plans, and share de identified datasets when possible.
For imaging studies, use appropriate imaging repositories or controlled access systems and include acquisition parameters.
For physiologic or monitoring datasets, provide codebooks and metadata to support reuse and transparency.
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.
Include software versions and analytic code or scripts when possible to support reproducibility.
If data cannot be shared, explain why and consider providing aggregated or anonymized results to support verification.
Provide clear data access instructions to reduce delays for readers and reviewers.
Data Sharing Quick View
- Data availability statement required
- De identified datasets or registry IDs preferred
- Controlled access for restricted data
- Include code and validation reports when possible
- Provide accession numbers or repository links
- 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 trusted clinical, imaging, or outcomes repositories to connect data to publications.
Embargo Management
Clarify release timelines and access terms for sensitive datasets.
Documentation
Provide metadata, codebooks, and analysis notes.
Preservation
Use repositories that commit to long term access and version control.
Study Type Expectations
Data sharing expectations vary by study design.
Clinical and Outcomes Data
ClinicalShare de identified datasets and documentation for clinical or observational studies.
- Provide de identified data or access criteria
- Include data dictionaries and variable definitions
- State consent and privacy constraints clearly
- Provide accession numbers or repository links
Imaging and Physiologic Data
ImagingShare imaging or device data with acquisition details and de identification steps.
- Provide imaging files or access pathways
- Include acquisition and processing parameters
- Share scripts and workflows when possible
- Document de identification and quality checks
Data Sharing Expectations
Use this quick table to align data type and access level.
| Data Type | Expectation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical datasets | De identified data or controlled access | Provide codebooks and access criteria |
| Imaging data | Repository or controlled access | Include acquisition parameters |
| Trial data | Registry plus data sharing plan | Provide registration ID and timeline |
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 institutional archives, imaging repositories, or trusted general repositories.
Prepare Documentation
Include metadata, codebooks, processing notes, and de identification details 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.
- Ensure de identification and consent requirements are respected.
Submit Your Manuscript
Publish with transparent data policies and open access visibility.
For assistance, contact us at [email protected]
