Figshare - Research data repository

Figshare is a research data repository that allows researchers to upload, share, and cite datasets, figures, and other research outputs with permanent DOIs and open access visibility. The platform makes research data discoverable and citable, supporting the open science movement by providing a permanent home for research materials that might otherwise remain hidden or inaccessible.

The service bridges the gap between traditional publishing and data sharing, ensuring that valuable research outputs receive proper attribution while meeting funding agency requirements for data availability and reproducibility.

What Makes Figshare Different

Figshare’s open data approach includes:

• Immediate DOI assignment for all uploaded research outputs
• Support for any file format with unlimited public storage
• Integration with institutional repositories and publisher workflows
• Altmetrics tracking to measure research impact beyond traditional citations
• Open API that enables automated data deposition and retrieval
• Compliance with FAIR data principles for findability and reusability

Researchers and institutions choose Figshare when they need a reliable platform to share research data openly while ensuring proper citation and long-term preservation of their research outputs.

Key Features

• DOI Assignment - Permanent digital object identifiers for all uploaded research materials • Unlimited Storage - Free unlimited storage for publicly shared research outputs • Format Flexibility - Support for any file type including datasets, images, videos, and code • Institutional Integration - Custom portals for universities and research organizations • Citation Tracking - Monitor how research outputs are cited and reused across platforms • Version Control - Track changes and updates to datasets with complete revision history • Metadata Standards - Rich metadata fields that enhance discoverability and context • API Access - Programmatic access for automated workflows and data management

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Immediate DOI assignment ensures permanent citability for research outputs • Unlimited free storage removes barriers to sharing large datasets • Strong commitment to open access and FAIR data principles • Excellent discoverability through search engines and academic databases • Robust institutional partnerships that streamline data sharing workflows • Comprehensive altmetrics provide insights into research impact and usage

Cons

• Limited collaboration features compared to specialized research platforms • Basic version control may not meet needs of complex, evolving datasets • Minimal data analysis tools require external software for processing • Public-only free storage may not suit sensitive or proprietary research • Limited customization options for institutional repository appearances • Dependency on internet connectivity for accessing and managing stored data

Get Started with Figshare

Ready to get started? Visit Figshare to explore the platform and begin using this tool.