High-Level Steps & Expectations
After contacting the MC2 Center to initiate the data contribution and sharing process, representatives from the MC2 Center will communicate and work closely with contributors to establish and complete required sharing steps, which may vary by the type(s) of data being shared. In general, contributors can expect the following summary next steps:
Onboard to your Synapse project and complete a data sharing plan (DSP). An MC2 Center data manager will contact you with information on how to join a dedicated Synapse project to store resources and data emerging from your grant. Here, you will be directed to complete a DSP to provide information essential information about your study and the data you intend to share, the intended release date, as well as any access requirements or terms of sharing associated with your data. After DSP submission, the MC2 Center will review your plan within one week, and may request clarification or additional details. In some cases, a 30 minute meeting may be requested to discuss gaps in information or governance decisions.
Upload your data to Synapse. After your DSP has been accepted, the MC2 Center will create folder(s) in your Synapse project for the datasets listed in your DSP. Links to these folders and detailed guidance will be provided to initiate the file upload process. Upload through the Synapse web interface or programmatic options are available. To be ready on time for a specific release or publication date, you are expected to upload your files to Synapse no later than two months prior to the intended release date.
Annotate your data. After uploading your data to Synapse, files must be annotated according to the metadata standards and terms specified in the MC2 Center Data Model before they can be shared. Relevant metadata templates will be linked in your DSP by the MC2 Center data manager, who will also be available to help with metadata completion and validation. To learn more about the MC2 Center Data Model, please see the data model explorer, available on GitHub.
Prepare for data release. After your files are annotated, the MC2 Center will package your files and metadata into Synapse Datasets, which allow users to view and download files and metadata from a single source. Synapse Dataset information will be recorded and listed on the CCKP in accordance with the intended release date documented within your DSP. Unless otherwise discussed and documented in your DSP, Synapse Datasets and files will be released via Open Access. You must inform the MC2 Center as soon as possible if your datasets require additional conditions for use and/or sharing restrictions not previously documented in your DSP.
Socialize and share your data! After release, the CCKP can be linked as your one-stop shop for data availability! Point researchers to your data and related resources (e.g. publications) through the CCKP’s citation features and Synapse DOIs. The MC2 Center can also help spotlight your data on the CCKP homepage, and in our monthly community newsletter (subscribe).