Genomic data sharing: you don’t know what you’ve got (till it’s gone)

Abstract

Genomics research has thrived under a culture of data sharing, formalized during the genome-project era. As the field’s complexity has increased to the population scale this culture risks being eroded, yet the core principles still apply. The community would benefit from more open discussion and consensus-building around biological data sharing, recognizing that the answer will shape what the practice of science looks like in future. Reflecting on the core values of early data sharing agreements, the Bermuda Principles and the Fort Lauderdale Agreement, Kathryn E. Holt and Michael Inouye emphasize the need to reaffirm our commitment to genomic data sharing to shape the future of science.