Encouraging reproducibility and reuse

Data archiving is essential for rigorous radiation and nuclear medicine research. JRNM permits deposition in disciplinary, institutional, or general repositories and requires a clear data availability statement for every submission. For sensitive clinical data, controlled access options should be described.

What to include

Include a data availability statement that identifies the repository, access URL, and license terms. Provide persistent identifiers such as DOIs and describe any access restrictions. For imaging studies, specify anonymization procedures and the format of archived data.

For software or analysis pipelines, provide version details and dependencies. Include a short readme file that explains variables, imaging parameters, and processing steps.

Protect sensitive information

For large or complex datasets, document provenance and processing steps clearly. Provide a contact point for controlled access requests when data cannot be fully public. Repository versioning should be used to track updates and corrections over time.

Credit and reuse

Data should be cited in the reference list with a persistent identifier and version number. Clear citation supports attribution, reuse, and data level impact tracking.

Selecting the right archive

• Repository provides DOI and long term access.
• Files are in open or standard imaging formats.
• Metadata fields are complete and descriptive.
• Access controls are defined for sensitive data.
• Versioning is enabled for updates and corrections.

Documentation for scale

For large imaging datasets, include a short readme file and a processing log that explains how raw data were transformed into analysis outputs. Clear documentation improves reuse and validation.

Reuse and permissions

Select data licenses that support reuse while protecting sensitive information. Clearly state license terms in the data availability statement and repository record.

Clinical privacy safeguards

For patient data, use repositories that support controlled access and de identification. Provide a contact path for data requests and document any approval requirements.

Protect patient privacy

For clinical imaging data, remove identifiers and follow institutional privacy policies. Controlled access repositories allow sharing while protecting sensitive information.

Track processing steps

Document data transformations from raw imaging files to analysis outputs. Clear provenance supports reproducibility and reviewer confidence.

Increase citation potential

Well documented datasets and imaging repositories improve reuse, increase citations, and support validation studies. Clear documentation helps other teams reproduce dosimetry and imaging outcomes.

Enable verification

Include dose calculation files, calibration notes, and software version details when possible. These materials strengthen transparency in clinical and physics focused studies.

Support new studies

Citing datasets in the manuscript helps other teams validate findings, compare dosimetry outcomes, and build new imaging workflows.

Choose wisely

Select repositories that support imaging data formats, provide stable identifiers, and allow updates. Clear metadata improves reuse and citation of datasets.

Track impact

Linking datasets to the article helps capture data level citations and supports transparency in imaging and dosimetry research.

Support validation

Clear archiving enables external validation studies and strengthens confidence in dosimetry results.

Controlled access

Provide access conditions and contact details for controlled datasets to support compliant reuse.

Complete records

Consistent naming and metadata improve long term usability.

Archive completeness

Double check repository links before submission.