Research data management issues are not simple. They are not solved solely through actions of the researcher. Solutions require involvement of many stakeholders within government, industry, academia, and international organizations. The current top-down approach by government agencies serves only to address a narrow band of research performed. To make real progress, we must take additional steps to address cultural barriers, implement best practices, and instill the importance of data management and the value of data sharing in the next generation of researchers.

Change to come

In the past decade, the White House and federal agencies have faced growing expectations for greater transparency and accountability. Although this pressure is not new, technology has developed to the point where citizens can lobby for a cause they believe in by signing an online petition. One such petition, which was posted in May 2012, targeted the openness of scientific journal articles resulting from taxpayer-funded research.¹ This petition, along with sentiment surrounding the nature of scholarly publishing, pushed the White House toward a monumental first step that will have major impact on the openness of scientific research.