Research Data Policy

Introduction

Wisdomgale Journals recognizes the importance of responsible research data management in supporting transparent, reproducible, and reliable scholarly communication.

Research data are an essential component of scientific research and may support the validation, interpretation, and reuse of published findings.

This Research Data Policy provides guidance on the management, documentation, storage, preservation, availability, and sharing of research data associated with manuscripts published by Wisdomgale Journals.

Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to authors, researchers, and contributors submitting manuscripts to Wisdomgale Journals where research data are generated, analyzed, or used as part of the study.

The policy applies to different types of research data, including:

• Experimental data;
• Observational data;
• Survey and questionnaire data;
• Computational and simulation data;
• Datasets supporting published research findings;
• Supplementary research materials.

The specific requirements may vary depending on the research field, applicable regulations, and the nature of the submitted work.

Definition of Research Data

Research data refers to information collected, generated, processed, or analyzed during the course of research activities that supports scientific findings or conclusions.

Research data may include:

• Raw data collected during research activities;
• Processed or cleaned datasets;
• Derived datasets created through analysis;
• Experimental measurements and observations;
• Computer-generated outputs and models;
• Supporting documentation and metadata.

Research Data Management Principles

Wisdomgale Journals encourages researchers to apply responsible research data management practices throughout the research lifecycle.

Good research data management includes:

• Organizing data in a structured manner;
• Maintaining accurate records of data collection and processing;
• Documenting methods and procedures;
• Ensuring data can be understood and interpreted by others;
• Supporting reproducibility where appropriate.

Researchers should maintain sufficient documentation to explain how research data were created, processed, and analyzed.

Data Documentation and Metadata

Researchers should provide appropriate documentation describing research datasets and their associated methods.

Documentation may include:

• Description of data collection methods;
• Definitions of variables and measurements;
• Information about data processing procedures;
• Metadata describing dataset structure and content.

Well-documented data improve transparency, interpretation, and future reuse.

Data Storage and Preservation

Researchers are responsible for storing research data securely throughout the research process and for an appropriate period after publication.

Data storage practices should consider:

• Protection against accidental loss;
• Regular backup procedures;
• Secure access controls;
• Long-term preservation where appropriate.

Researchers should use suitable storage solutions that reflect the requirements of their research field and applicable regulations.

Data Availability Statements

Wisdomgale Journals encourages authors to include a Data Availability Statement when research data support the findings presented in their manuscript.

A Data Availability Statement should describe:

• Whether research data are available;
• Where the data can be accessed;
• Any conditions or restrictions on access;
• Reasons where data cannot be publicly shared.

Transparency regarding data availability helps readers understand how research findings may be evaluated and reused.

Data Sharing and Access

Wisdomgale Journals supports responsible research data sharing when appropriate and when consistent with ethical, legal, and confidentiality requirements.

Researchers may share data through:

• Recognized research data repositories;
• Institutional repositories;
• Publicly accessible supplementary materials;
• Controlled access systems where required.

Data sharing should include sufficient documentation to enable appropriate interpretation and reuse.

Restrictions on Data Sharing

Research data may not always be suitable for unrestricted public access.

Restrictions may apply when data include:

• Personal or identifiable information;
• Confidential participant information;
• Protected or proprietary information;
• Legally restricted materials.

Where data cannot be openly shared, authors should provide an explanation and, where possible, describe appropriate access procedures.

Data Formats and Standards

Wisdomgale Journals encourages researchers to use appropriate and sustainable data formats that support long-term accessibility and reuse.

Where possible, researchers should consider:

• Open or widely supported file formats;
• Clear data structures;
• Appropriate metadata standards;
• Documentation supporting future interpretation.

Data Citation and Attribution

Wisdomgale Journals encourages appropriate citation and attribution of research datasets that contribute to published findings.

When research data are publicly available, authors should provide sufficient information to allow readers to identify and access the relevant dataset.

Data citation supports:

• Recognition of researchers who create and maintain datasets;
• Transparency of research outputs;
• Responsible reuse of scientific resources;
• Improved tracking of research contributions.

Authors should follow appropriate data citation practices according to their research field and relevant standards.

Authors' Data Responsibilities

Authors are responsible for ensuring that research data associated with their manuscripts are managed appropriately throughout the research and publication process.

Authors should:

• Maintain accurate records of research data;
• Ensure that reported findings are supported by the underlying data;
• Provide appropriate information about data availability;
• Ensure that shared data are properly documented;
• Respect applicable ethical, legal, and institutional requirements.

Authors remain responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and appropriate management of all research data related to their submissions.

Journal Data Requirements

Depending on the research field, manuscript type, and editorial requirements, Wisdomgale Journals may request additional information regarding research data supporting a submission.

Such requests may include:

• A Data Availability Statement;
• Information about data repositories;
• Access instructions for supporting datasets;
• Additional documentation required to understand the data.

Any data-related requirements will be communicated clearly to authors during the submission or review process.

Supplementary Research Materials

Research datasets, code, protocols, additional tables, figures, and other supporting materials may be submitted as supplementary materials where appropriate.

Supplementary research materials should:

• Be clearly described;
• Correspond to the published research;
• Include appropriate documentation;
• Be prepared in suitable formats where possible.

Supplementary materials are considered part of the overall research output and should be managed responsibly.

Data Security and Confidentiality

Researchers should apply appropriate measures to protect research data from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or disclosure.

Data security measures may include:

• Access restrictions;
• Secure storage environments;
• Data encryption where appropriate;
• Controlled sharing mechanisms.

Special consideration should be given to confidential, sensitive, or personally identifiable information.

Research data should only be shared in accordance with applicable privacy requirements, ethical approvals, and legal obligations.

Policy Compliance

Wisdomgale Journals expects authors and contributors to follow this Research Data Policy when applicable to their research and submissions.

Where concerns regarding research data management are identified, Wisdomgale Journals may request clarification or additional information from authors.

Failure to provide appropriate information regarding research data may affect the evaluation, processing, or publication of a manuscript.

Data-related decisions will be considered according to the nature of the research, applicable standards, and relevant publishing requirements.

Changes to This Policy

Wisdomgale Journals may update this Research Data Policy periodically to reflect developments in research practices, data management standards, technology, and scholarly publishing requirements.

Updated versions of this policy will be published on the Wisdomgale Journals website together with the applicable revision date.

Authors, researchers, and users are encouraged to review this policy regularly.

Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Research Data Policy, users may contact Wisdomgale Journals through the official communication channels provided on the website.

Wisdomgale Journals welcomes feedback regarding responsible research data management and transparent scholarly communication.