I.2.4 Enhancements to the Scientific Enterprise

It is a maxim of the scientific process that in order for experimental conclusions to be accorded validity, they must be capable of duplication. Likewise, fundamental principles of the scientific discipline teach that conclusions regarding a given data set that are arrived at by multiple independent reviewers are stronger conclusions than those reached by one scientist interpreting the data alone. These principles strongly support broader access to research data.

Broader data access provides reinforcement to open scientific inquiry. It allows for verification, refutation, or refinement of original results. Risk taking by researchers will not be stifled, however, because the proper interpretation of generated data will be assured through the availability of data for reanalysis. Improved data access also will promote new research through the use of existing data.

This openness will have a positive effect on the increasing recent media trend toward sensationalizing tentative research results. Greater scrutiny of scientific studies made possible by access to underlying data will create a not unhealthy caution among authors considering publishing works of questionable validity or offering speculative conclusions. Federally funded researchers should not be able to shield their data from review by other scientists. Researchers will know that their findings will be subjected to a higher standard of review and will be open to evaluation by independent authorities. The end result of this approach will be a body of scientific work more rigorously tested and reliable.

The processes of data gathering and data sharing will also be enhanced under the new data access law. After an initial adjustment period, improved procedures for data collection, storage, and retrieval by investigators is likely to result. In the context of federally funded research, these procedures are likely to take on the attributes of good laboratory practices, good manufacturing practices, and good engineering practices. The ultimate efficiencies that will result from these advances in data management outweigh the short term difficulties in adopting such a system.

Broader data access will also improve the public's perception of federally funded research. By increasing the public's level of understanding of the scientific process, data access can counteract what many perceive as a certain mistrust of "secret science" among the public. Support for federal funding of research programs will increase. Heightened credibility of the studies the government uses will have the accompanying effect of bolstering confidence in government and support for major regulatory programs.