Data Availability & Reproducibility

Scopapers journals support open, reproducible research. We encourage authors to make the data, code, and materials underlying their published findings available so that others can verify, build on, and reuse their work. This policy explains our expectations and the options available to authors.

Data availability statements

We encourage every research article to include a data availability statement describing where the data supporting the results can be found and under what conditions they can be accessed. The statement should indicate whether the data are openly available in a repository, available from the authors on reasonable request, subject to restrictions, or not applicable, and it should give any accession numbers or persistent links needed to locate them.

Depositing data

Where possible, we recommend that authors deposit their datasets in an established, discipline-appropriate or general-purpose repository that issues a persistent identifier, so that the data can be cited and preserved independently of the article. Data should be shared in accordance with the FAIR principles, meaning findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable, and accompanied by enough documentation for others to understand and reuse them.

Sensitive and restricted data

We recognise that some data cannot be shared openly, for example where sharing would breach participant confidentiality, data-protection law, or ethical approvals, or where third-party rights apply. In such cases authors should explain the restriction in the data availability statement and describe the process by which access may be requested. Openness is encouraged, but never at the expense of legal or ethical obligations.

Code and materials

Where the results depend on custom software or analytical code, we encourage authors to share that code so that analyses can be reproduced. Likewise, authors are encouraged to describe the materials and methods in enough detail to allow the study to be repeated.

Reproducibility and integrity

Authors are responsible for the accuracy and integrity of the data presented in their work and, where requested by editors during peer review, for making the underlying data available for editorial assessment. Concerns about the reliability or availability of data underpinning a published article are handled under our Corrections, Retractions & Withdrawals policy.