The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) has decided to support Make Data Count. Make Data Count develops metrics to make the use of research data measurable, such as through citations. From 2025 to 2027, NWO will support the initiative annually with 8,000 euros.
According to Make Data Count, research data should be taken as seriously as scientific articles. Researchers are usually recognized for their publications, but this is not always the case when they share research data. Make Data Count aims to change this by making it more measurable how often datasets are viewed, downloaded, and cited in other research.
Data is critical to research and society, but we lack an understanding of how data is used to drive policy, discovery and societal benefit. Make Data Count is an initiative that promotes the development of open data metrics to enable evaluation of data usage.
Make Data Count develops tools to track how often research data are used and cited, and to present this information in an organized manner. All data is freely available to everyone, both for those who want to read the information and for computer systems that want to work with it. Scientific archives, publishers, and platforms can use these systems to keep track of this information in a consistent way. Website Make Data Count
NWO and Open Science
Open Science requires open infrastructure that supports the scientific community in openly sharing their publications, data, and software. NWO has been committed to open science for years, including by supporting a number of non-profit, community-led initiatives aimed at innovating scientific communication. The support for Make Data Count fits into that strategy. Read more about NWOs support for open science infrastructures.
Open Science NL
Open Science NL is the national program that promotes and accelerates the transition to open science. It does so through targeted funding, strengthening communities, and building capacity and infrastructure.