Earth science and biodiversity journals can improve support for data publication

Abstract

This study reviews research data policies and author instructions of 31 journals from the Earth sciences and from biodiversity that are published by German learned societies or research institutions. The statements on data publishing of the journal´s data policies/author guidelines were matched to 14 defined features of journal research data policies. A brief discussion on quality of data policies is presented to raise awareness of German learned societies/research institutions and to guide them towards improved data policies of their journals.