FAQ

What is re3data?

re3data is a global registry of research data repositories. The registry covers research data repositories from different academic disciplines. re3data presents repositories for the permanent storage and access of data sets to researchers, funding bodies, publishers and scholarly institutions. re3data aims to promote a culture of sharing, increased access and better visibility of research data.

In December 2012 re3data launched an alpha version. The registry will be continuously developed and improved together with relevant stakeholders. re3data is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). More information about the project behind re3data can be found on our about page.

Why is re3data useful?

re3data helps researchers to find appropriate repositories for the storage and access of research data. Further, it can be used by funding organisations to promote permanent access to research data from their funded research projects. In addition re3data offers publishers and academic institutions a tool for the identification of research data repositories where scientists can deposit their data.

How is re3data pronounced?

Have a look at the IPA transcription or listen to the audio recording.

IPA: /,ri: θɹi 'deɪtə/

Audio:

What do the icons mean?

The icons shall help users to identify important characteristics of a research data repository at first sight. The following table explains the meaning of the icons:

How can I add a research data repository to re3data?

Research data repository (RDR) operators can suggest their infrastructures to be listed in re3data via an application form providing the name and URL as well as other properties of the RDR . The project team thoroughly analyzes the website of the RDR using a handbook that gives practical information on how to obtain the metadata properties of the re3data schema. A repository is indexed when the minimum requirements of the re3data policy are met, meaning that mode of access to the data and repository as well as the terms of use must be clear explained on the repository web sites and the repository must have a focus research data. Before a new record of a RDR is published in re3data all gathered information is reviewed by a second team member (see figure below). Afterwards the RDR will be visible to the public.

What does “Access” to Research Data Repositories mean?

Beside accessibility of research data the terms of use are probably the most important issue of a research data repository. To define the general accessibility of a research data repository the term access has to be split into three categories representing different levels of access. First there is the access to the research data repository defining whether users can access the database in general. Secondly there is the access to the research data sets in the research data repository in particular. Thirdly there is the access to upload research data sets to the research data repository. The access to each level can be open, restricted and/or closed. Open means that there are no access barriers. Restricted means that external users can overcome access barriers. Closed means external users cannot overcome access barriers. Embargoed access applies only to the level of access to the research data sets and means that external users cannot overcome access barriers until the data is released for open or restricted access.

As shown in the matrix below the access to the research data repository is the basic level to define the general framework of access to the actual research data sets, e.g. a research data set in a research data repository that is restricted through registration cannot be open but just restricted or even closed; a research data set in a closed research data repository which underlies access restrictions that cannot be overcome by external users is neither open nor restricted but only closed. Thus to define the general accessibility of a research data repository the values highlighted in orange are needed (values in braces can occur).

Access (property)	Open Access		Restricted Access		Closed Access
Access to Repository (19.1 databaseAccessType)	open		open or restricted		closed
Access to Data (21.1 dataAccessType)	open (embargoed, restricted, closed)		restricted (embargoed, closed)		closed
Data Upload (23.1 dataUploadType)	open or restricted	closed	open or restricted	closed	-

How can I work with re3data?

re3data gives you an overview of the research data repository landscape. It helps researchers to find an appropriate repositories for the storage and access of data sets. The re3data icon system shows relevant properties of a data repository, e.g.: whether a research data repository assigns persistent identifiers to its datasets.

The simple search allows to search for a scientific discipline like geoscience or to search for a specific data repository like PANGAEA.

Furthermore a set of filters allows to specify search criteria. This can be helpful, for example for displaying only open access repositories.

How sorting by weight works?

The weights are determined by various criteria. For example, a result is weighted higher if the search term occurs more frequently in the indexed data set. Also word similarities or the depth of the hits are factors. If the search term is found in the e.g. repository name this result will be weighted higher than a hit further down in the property tree.

Can I re-use the re3data data?

Yes it is possible to re-use the re3data metadata. You can fetch the datasets via API

Can I have the re3data logo?

Yes, here you go: re3data logo zip archive It would be great if you would let us know where you used it.

Can I cite re3data service?

Yes, you can cite re3data. Please cite the service with a following text: re3data.org - Registry of Research Data Repositories. https://doi.org/10.17616/R3D last accessed: 2025-04-25

How has re3data been developed?

The registry began as two, independent projects in 2011: one funded in the United States by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) led by the Purdue University Libraries and another funded in Germany by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) as a collaboration of the Berlin School of Library and Information Science, Helmholtz Open Science Office, and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Library. These efforts merged into a single service under the auspices of DataCite, with which re3data has continued to work as a partner service. Further development was made possible with additional support from the DFG, Arnold Foundation, and European Commission in collaboration with the original project partners as well as DataCite, the American Geophysical Union, and other collaborators. Development of re3data continues through grant-funded and in-kind contributions.

Who is using re3data?

re3data has been featured or referenced in hundreds of publisher and funder guidelines, library resource guides, presentations, and publications.

How can I download all online repositories?

You can download a zip file containing all online repositories here.

Any more questions?

Have a look at the re3data Schema or just send us an email. Your feedback is always appreciated!