When should I refrain from publishing my research data?

When should I refrain from publishing my research data?

There are legitimate reasons not to publish your data and grant the general public access to it:

  • If you want to apply for a patent.
  • In case your data contains confidential or personal information (for example, from questionnaires or interviews) that could not be anonymized, and/or you do not have written consent from your participants to publish this sensitive information.
  • If your research is funded by a commercial sponsor who did not agree to publication.