Availability statement

Every research article must include a data availability statement describing how readers can access the data supporting its findings. Identify the repository, accession or persistent identifier and any access conditions. If data cannot be shared, explain the specific ethical, legal or contractual restriction and the available route for legitimate access. A statement that data are simply “available on request” should identify who can request them, how and under what conditions.

Data, code and protocols

Deposit shareable data in a repository appropriate to the discipline and data type. Supply enough documentation to interpret variables, units, sample identifiers and processing steps. Omics studies should identify the repository accessions for primary and processed data. Analyses of public resources must cite the dataset and document the exact release and selection procedure.

Share custom analysis code where lawful and feasible, with the software versions, dependencies, parameters and instructions needed to reproduce the reported results. Specify random seeds where relevant and identify the release used in the article. Provide protocols or sufficiently detailed methods for experimental procedures. Use licenses that are compatible with the materials and the authors’ authority to share them.

Human participants and clinical trials

Do not publish identifiable participant information or data that could enable re-identification without appropriate authorization. De-identification, consent, ethics approval and access agreements must be considered together. Controlled access may be appropriate for sensitive clinical or genomic data. Where open sharing is not permitted, describe the restriction and a suitable access process rather than disclosing the protected information.

Clinical trial reports must include a specific data-sharing statement covering the data and associated documents, timing and access criteria. The plan should be consistent with the registry record; explain changes. See Clinical Trial Registration.

Review and retention

Authors must retain the source records necessary to verify their findings in accordance with applicable institutional and funder requirements. Editors may request underlying data, original images or code during review or an integrity assessment. Sensitive materials should be supplied through an appropriate confidential or controlled route. Inability to verify essential findings may prevent further consideration or require action on a published article.