How to deposit

Register for DataShare

Only University of Edinburgh members with University login credentials are eligible to register and deposit data to DataShare.

1. Point a browser window to Edinburgh DataShare (link below).
2. Once there, find "My Account" (top right-hand menu) and click on "Register."
3. Use your University login credentials and wait for confirmation email.

Go to the Edinburgh DataShare repository to register

If you are a visitor or collaborator and do not have a University login, you should request a University of Edinburgh Friend account which will then allow you to register with DataShare.

Choose a DataShare Collection

All new DataShare items (i.e. datasets) must be deposited into a Collection. 

A Collection may contain more than one item (dataset) relating to a research area, theme or group.

Collections are further grouped into Communities which usually reflects projects, Schools and organisational units within the University.

The hierarchical structure in DataShare is: 

Item >  Collection >  Community

The aim of grouping datasets in Collections and Communities is to help users find and browse related datasets. When submitting your data to DataShare you should identify a suitable collection to hold your data. If none exists then we can easily set up a new collection for you (see instructions below).

1. Browse the "Research Communities" (underneath "Browse" in right-hand bar/tab) and expand to find available collections.
2. Send a message to the DataShare team (data-support@ed.ac.uk) indicating the collection you wish to deposit your data in (an existing or new collection).
3. If you need a new collection, provide: a title, a description and an image (optional).
4. A member of the DataShare team will send you an email confirming you have permission to deposit to the relevant collection.

How to deposit a data item

1. Log into your account. Navigate to the appropriate collection and click on "Deposit data." You may also use the "Deposit data" button on the DataShare homepage, but your item will be held in the ‘default’ collection and must be moved to an appropriate collection after it is approved.
2. Describe your item. Complete as many metadata fields as possible. During the submission process you may "Save & Exit" at any time, or continue to the "Next" step. You may return to previously saved items by clicking on "Submissions" (under "My Account").
3. Upload your item. Include all the data files and documentation needed to make the data understandable and re-usable. DataShare upload is done on a file basis, not a folder basis, so please upload files. If you have multiple files structured in folders, either compress your folders to create zip files or separate them into individual files. NOTE: Current size limit is 100 GB total per dataset. Items up to 20 GB can be uploaded via the web browser. Items with a total size over 20 GB are too large to be uploaded via a web browser. If you have more than 20 GB of data to share, please contact the Research Data Support team to arrange a batch import and/or discuss your options. 
4. Review your item. Check the item metadata, data files and documentation files, and correct any errors.
5. Choose your licence. The recommended licence is Creative Commons Attribution 4.0. International, but you may choose to provide another open data licence instead.
6. Submit your item. When your item is ready click on "Complete submission" and wait for confirmation. An administrator will moderate your submission. Once your item is approved, a persistent identifier (DOI) will be issued.

Download Edinburgh DataShare User's Guide, a 4-page step by step guide, with screenshots:

• Document

  DataShare User Guide (716.13 KB / PDF)

Things to consider before depositing

 Please visit our checklist for deposits page before you begin