Managing requests for research data under Freedom of Information (FoI) and Environmental Information Regulation legislation has just got easier for researchers with the launch of a step-by-step guidance document.
While researchers routinely share data with each other as part of their normal business, they are not so familiar with the often daunting task of responding to Freedom of Information or Environmental Information requests.
Following the Information Commissioner's decisions against the University of East Anglia and Queens University, Belfast in relation to Freedom of Information requests relating to research, JISC has commissioned a FAQ for researchers. Co-author Chris Rusbridge commented:- "The FAQ attempts to cover the UK and Scotland versions of both Freedom of Information Acts and the Environmental Information Regulations. Two versions have been prepared: a space-limited version for print, and a longer version for the web. These drafts are now available for consultation until 12 November, 2010.