Towards new tools for bioresource use and sharing

Abstract

Data sharing institutional incentives exist but no practical tools to implement such policy are in place. The BRIF (Bioresource Research Impact Factor) initiative was conceived as a possible way to fill this gap. It is an ongoing initiative that encompasses considerations and actions from various stakeholders (researchers, funders, industrials, editors) towards (i) standardized identification schemes and reporting for better visibility and tracing of bioresources on the web; (ii) incentive policies from hosting institutions; (iii) creation of tools allowing follow-up of their use. Tracing the use of bioresources is the first step in this process. For this purpose we have published the CoBRA (Citation of BioResources in journal Articles) guideline that standardizes the way bioresources are referred to in academic literature. We have launched the Open Journal of Bioresources in close collaboration with the open access publisher Ubiquity Press allowing both the resources to be cited and authors to get metrics on reuse and impact. Meanwhile, we have started developing new better adapted metrics; a first list of relevant parameters to take into account in the impact measure of bioresources has been provided. The tools proposed here foster easier access to samples and associated data as well as their optimized use, sharing and recognition for data producers. Input from the scientific information community would be highly appreciated at this stage.