The article "Data Sharing by Scientists: Practices and Perceptions" explores the current practices and perceptions of data sharing among scientists. The study, conducted by a team from the University of Tennessee and the United States Geological Survey, surveyed 1320 scientists to understand their data practices, barriers, and enablers. Key findings include: 1. **Data Sharing Barriers**: Scientists cite insufficient time and lack of funding as major barriers to making their data electronically available. Most respondents are satisfied with short-term data management processes but are less satisfied with long-term data preservation. 2. **Data Sharing Willingness**: Respondents are willing to share their data under certain conditions, such as formal citation and reprints. However, many organizations do not provide support for data management. 3. **Differences in Practices**: There are significant differences in data management practices based on funding agency, subject discipline, age, work focus, and world region. For example, atmospheric scientists are more likely to share their data, while medical and social science researchers are less likely to do so. 4. **Demographic Influences**: Younger scientists (ages 20-39) are less likely to share their data, while older scientists (ages 50+) are more interested in sharing. Age also affects perceptions of organizational support for data management. 5. **Future Directions**: The article suggests that new mandates for data management plans and large-scale programs like DataONE can help improve data sharing and preservation. These initiatives aim to address the cultural and practical barriers to effective data sharing and to enhance the infrastructure for data management. Overall, the study highlights the need for better support, education, and policies to encourage data sharing and ensure the long-term accessibility and usability of scientific data.The article "Data Sharing by Scientists: Practices and Perceptions" explores the current practices and perceptions of data sharing among scientists. The study, conducted by a team from the University of Tennessee and the United States Geological Survey, surveyed 1320 scientists to understand their data practices, barriers, and enablers. Key findings include: 1. **Data Sharing Barriers**: Scientists cite insufficient time and lack of funding as major barriers to making their data electronically available. Most respondents are satisfied with short-term data management processes but are less satisfied with long-term data preservation. 2. **Data Sharing Willingness**: Respondents are willing to share their data under certain conditions, such as formal citation and reprints. However, many organizations do not provide support for data management. 3. **Differences in Practices**: There are significant differences in data management practices based on funding agency, subject discipline, age, work focus, and world region. For example, atmospheric scientists are more likely to share their data, while medical and social science researchers are less likely to do so. 4. **Demographic Influences**: Younger scientists (ages 20-39) are less likely to share their data, while older scientists (ages 50+) are more interested in sharing. Age also affects perceptions of organizational support for data management. 5. **Future Directions**: The article suggests that new mandates for data management plans and large-scale programs like DataONE can help improve data sharing and preservation. These initiatives aim to address the cultural and practical barriers to effective data sharing and to enhance the infrastructure for data management. Overall, the study highlights the need for better support, education, and policies to encourage data sharing and ensure the long-term accessibility and usability of scientific data.