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.
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
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.
Practical Application
State where the supporting data can be found, how they can be accessed, and any conditions or restrictions that apply. Follow the target journal’s required template, repository, identifier, and citation rules; do not claim public availability when access is controlled or unavailable.
Purpose
State where the data supporting the reported results can be accessed, or explain applicable restrictions or conditions.
Reader Check
Can a reader determine the location, access route, and restrictions for the data from the statement alone?
Worked Example
A compliant statement might identify a named repository and persistent identifier, or explain that access is restricted and describe the approved request process, depending on the journal’s allowed wording.
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.
- 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