Data Papers 2.0: Reimagining the future of open science and reproducibility

Abstract

For the last 20 years, Ecology Data Papers have been the premier standard for publishing ecological datasets. As the field of ecology enters the era of big data, we are experiencing rapid increases in computing power, cloud-based storage, and interest in sharing and disseminating datasets. As a consequence, how ecologists interact with data, including reproducibility standards, the size of datasets, and the way data are collected, analyzed, stored, and shared, has changed since the inception of Ecology Data Papers. In this editorial, we describe how we reimagined Ecology Data Papers to fit the 21st century data standards and needs, to facilitate the generation and analysis of new ecological questions and fulfilling the historical role of Ecology as a leader in open science and reproducibility.

We define Ecology Data Papers 2.0 as a unique type of manuscript published in Ecology, designed to enrich the global ecological and scientific community through the sharing of data to be reused, reanalyzed, and remixed for advancing knowledge beyond its original purpose. The innovations we introduce with Data Papers 2.0 are coupled with a continued commitment to publication affordability, with publication fee waivers available, and to user access, with both the article and data freely available to all.

Updating Ecology Data Papers from the 1.0 version to 2.0 was a data-driven process integrating feedback and perspectives from experts and the broader community. Specifically, we solicited input during a special organized session at the 2023 Ecological Society of America (ESA) meeting. We also distributed a survey to gather perspectives from the ecological community at large. Common themes that emerged from the ESA meeting and survey included the need for rigorous data and metadata standards, ease of reuse, transparency of data collection methods, and a cultural shift to credit and reward data collectors on par with authors of research manuscripts. Lastly, as our experience handling Data Papers has matured, we have identified a handful of issues that deserve special consideration. First, the potential for data reuse is maximized when data are made available in their rawest form (e.g., genomic data reads, pictures, or videos from camera traps). However, storage requirements for these data can sometimes surpass the capacity available in common repositories. We strongly encourage authors to make every effort to ensure the raw data is freely and openly available, while recognizing that this might not always be possible. When making raw data available is not possible, authors should provide well-documented intermediate products and explain how they created them to enable reproducible analyses and future reuse. Second, effective reuse of the data depends both on the data generators and the data users. Data generators have a responsibility to outline opportunities and limitations to guide the data users, who then have the responsibility to ensure that data analyses and inferences are conducted appropriately. Collaboration between the data generators and secondary users can often result in better science.

The central innovation of Data Papers 2.0 is an emphasis on reusability in the definition as the key characteristic over size. The updated definition contrasts with the original definition, which emphasized large or expansive data collection efforts. Additionally, submissions must clearly identify ecological application(s), impact, and scope. Submissions with secondary data (compiled from other published sources) are welcome, provided that the compilation represents a significant, innovative, or creative contribution. As before, Data Papers should not include analytical or inferential components, and submissions should include descriptive (scientific context) and technical (metadata) documentation, following the updated standards and guidelines.

In addition to the conceptual innovation, we also introduced new operational features. First, Data Papers 2.0 will include a concise typeset article (including Overview, Data Description, Summary of Methods, Limitations and Challenges, and Scientific Opportunities) that describes the data's main attributes and their potential for reuse. This provides potential data users with invaluable information for evaluating the utility of the dataset for their intended needs. Second, the submission and reviewing processes now include checklists for both authors and reviewers (see Ecology Data Papers Author and Reviewer checklists). The reviewer's checklist facilitates the evaluation of manuscripts based on criteria specific to Data Papers. Third, the metadata document, the central component of Data Papers, will now be stored with the data in a permanent repository (e.g., Dryad, Zenodo; see updated Ecology Data Papers Guidelines for more information), which alleviates the burden of Ecology in filling the role of a repository (when not designed to be) and makes Data Papers more searchable. Currently, Data Papers are not indexed and can only be found through the Ecology website (i.e., none show up in Google Scholar, Web of Science, etc.). The chosen repository must provide a unique DOI and ensure the data will be available for at least 20 years.

In conclusion, Ecology Data Papers set a benchmark for sharing ecological datasets, fostering both credibility and trust in open science under the Ecological Society of America name for over 25 years. Now, as the discipline grapples with larger, more complex data and increasingly sophisticated computational tools, publications must also evolve. The modernization effort of Data Papers 2.0 emerged from community consultations, including editorial expertise, a conference session, and a survey, revealing the need for a fresh definition of what constitutes a Data Paper. Data Papers 2.0 highlights versatility and impact, encouraging submissions that enable rich reanalysis, creative recombination, and ongoing integration into future research. To support this revised definition, the Data Papers 2.0 framework refines metadata standards, offers clear guidance for authors and reviewers, and implements a streamlined, checklist-based evaluation process that simplifies submission and enhances reproducibility. In the future, Data Papers will keep evolving, developing formal strategies for handling dynamic datasets and working toward consistent standards across platforms. By emphasizing reusability, adaptability, and transparency, Data Papers 2.0 ensures that the ecological community can more readily share and build upon data, ultimately sustaining Ecology's role as a cornerstone of reproducible and open science.

We would like to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of William “Bill” Michener and the community that started the original Data Papers ideas more than 25 years ago. We extend our sincere gratitude to Emilio Bruna, Ethan White, Jessica Goodheart, and Paul Hohenlohe for their invaluable insights and guidance through reimagining Data Papers. We also thank the participants of the Ecological Society of America 2023 Annual Meeting Special Session and the survey respondents whose feedback has informed and enriched our efforts. We remain indebted to the many authors who have contributed data over the last 25 years, laying out the foundation for ongoing ecological research and innovation.

Submissions received after spring 2026 are expected to follow the new Data Paper 2.0 format. Updated guidelines for authors and reviewers are available on the Ecology Data Papers hub at https://esa.org/publications/ecology-data-papers/.