Writing & StyleStyle guide

Data Availability Statement

BMJ requires research articles to include a Data Availability Statement and provides standardized options. The practical job is to state where supporting data are available and any access conditions, while exact wording remains journal-dependent.

Quick answer

A data availability statement tells readers where supporting data can be found and what access conditions or restrictions apply. Follow the target journal’s required wording and repository/citation rules.

Key details

Core IssueBMJ requires research articles to include a Data Availability Statement and provides standardized options
Registerscholarly, professional, or publisher-controlled writing

Important caveats

Scope Boundary

Repository, citation, licensing, privacy, controlled-access and “available on request” wording are publisher/journal-policy decisions; do not invent universal language.

Further guidance

Content

Include the repository/location and persistent link where applicable, plus access or reuse conditions required by the journal.

Purpose

State where the data supporting the reported results can be accessed, or explain applicable restrictions or conditions.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. Data sharing — BMJ Author Hub (opens in a new tab)BMJ · BMJ author policy requiring research articles to include a Data Availability Statement and describing repository/access information

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