Title: Rules of Data-Sharing in Collaborative and Non-Collaborative Research
Author: Anji Wall
Description: Co-investigators plan on patenting a genetic test and want to share data with collaborators and non-collaborators.
Keyword(s): genetic research, collaborative research, patenting, data-sharing, ownership and access to data
Based On: (Shamoo & Resnik, 2003, p. 66)
Case: Dr. Brown and Dr. Smith are in the process of developing a genetic test predictive of type II diabetes that will search for thousands of gene mutations predictive of the disease. Of patients who test positive, 60% will develop type II diabetes. Dr. Brown and Dr. Smith hope that this test will be able to predict the risk of developing type II diabetes in children and adolescents so that the disease can be either prevented or managed at an earlier stage: if people learn about their risks for this condition they will be able to modify their diets and exercise routines to help prevent some of the serious consequences such as amputation and blindness. When Dr. Brown and Dr. Smith finish developing the test, they plan to patent it. In the process of developing the test, they have been collaborating with several researchers at other institutions. With the test developed and ready for validation, their collaborators, in addition to other colleagues that work in their field, are requesting access to their early findings.
- Should they share their data with their collaborators? Why or why not?
- Should they share their data with colleagues who are non-collaborators? Why or why not?
- Would your answers change if the sponsor of the research was a private company rather than a university?
- If they do share their data, what can they do to protect their work?
Source: Shamoo, A., & Resnik, D. (2003). Responsible Conduct of Research. New York: Oxford University Press.