Fungal Diversity
Transparent data archiving that strengthens mycology research
Data Archiving Permissions
JFD encourages authors to share data, sequences, and analytical files that support published findings. Open data improves reproducibility, accelerates biodiversity research, and increases the long term value of fungal diversity studies.
Policy Overview
Authors may archive data that supports their findings in institutional, disciplinary, or general purpose repositories. JFD recommends repositories that provide persistent identifiers so datasets remain citable and linked to the published article. Data should be shared in formats that allow reuse and independent verification.
Data archiving is strongly encouraged for sequence data, phylogenetic alignments, morphological measurements, environmental metadata, and biodiversity inventories. Where full data sharing is not possible, authors should provide a clear explanation and describe how qualified readers may access the data under reasonable conditions.
Benefits of Data Sharing
Shared datasets improve research impact by enabling other teams to validate results, compare taxa, and build on published workflows. In mycology, data transparency is especially valuable because species identification, environmental context, and sequencing methods can influence conclusions.
Open data supports citation growth. Researchers frequently cite datasets when they reuse sequences, ecological metadata, or trait measurements. A well documented dataset with a DOI can become a reusable asset that complements the article and increases visibility across taxonomy and ecology.
Where to Archive Your Data
Institutional Repositories
University and research institute repositories are suitable for funded projects and provide stable links for long term access. These options often align with grant requirements.
Disciplinary Repositories
Use discipline specific platforms for sequence data, taxonomic records, and biodiversity inventories to improve discoverability in mycology communities.
General Purpose Platforms
Repositories such as Zenodo or Figshare provide DOIs and support a wide range of file types, including images, alignments, and datasets.
Private or Restricted Access
When data includes sensitive locations or proprietary information, use restricted access repositories and provide a clear statement on access conditions.
Data Availability Statements
Required statement: Every manuscript must include a data availability statement indicating where data are stored and how they can be accessed. If data are publicly available, include the repository name and persistent link.
Restricted data: If data cannot be openly shared due to confidentiality or sensitive locations, explain the reason and provide a pathway for access, such as approval from a data steward.
No data generated: If the study does not generate new datasets, state this clearly. Example: "No new data were created or analyzed in this study."
Sequence and Barcode Data
For studies that include DNA sequencing, deposit sequences in recognized repositories and include accession numbers in the manuscript. Provide details on marker regions, primer sets, and quality filtering steps to support reproducibility.
For metabarcoding or environmental sequencing, share raw reads and associated metadata where feasible. Clear sample metadata improves downstream reuse and helps other researchers interpret the ecological context of fungal communities.
Embargoes and Sensitive Content
Embargoes may be permitted when required by patent filings, conservation protections, or ongoing commercialization efforts. Authors should disclose embargo timelines at submission and describe the reason for temporary restriction. JFD supports reasonable embargoes when they are necessary and clearly documented.
For location sensitive species or conservation sites, consider masking precise coordinates while still providing meaningful ecological context. The editorial office may request additional documentation for sensitive datasets and can advise on anonymization strategies when needed.
Best Practices for Reusable Data
Organize
- Use descriptive file names and folders
- Provide a readme and file inventory
- Include units and measurement methods
- Define variables and column headers
- Document software and versions used
Validate
- Check for missing or corrupted files
- Confirm metadata matches manuscript
- Provide sample calculations or scripts
- Note limitations or known issues
- Test data access links before submit
Link
- Include repository DOI in manuscript
- Reference datasets in figure captions
- Use consistent identifiers in text
- State access terms in availability note
- Update links if repository changes
Publish with Transparent Data Practices
Share your fungal diversity data with clarity and confidence. The editorial team can guide you if you have questions about repositories or data access policies.
