International Journal of Structural Biology

International Journal of Structural Biology

International Journal of Structural Biology – Data Archiving Permissions

Open Access & Peer-Reviewed

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Structural Biology Excellence

International Journal of Structural Biology - Data Archiving Permissions

Responsible data sharing that protects participants and strengthens science

Data Availability Requirements

International Journal of Structural Biology supports responsible data sharing for macromolecular structures and associated experimental data.

Research Focus

Deposition in community repositories such as PDB, EMDB, or BMRB is expected when applicable and should be referenced in the manuscript.

Why It Matters

All submissions must include a Data Availability Statement describing where underlying data can be accessed and any restrictions that apply.

Quality Signals

Acceptable options include public repositories, controlled access, availability upon reasonable request, or embargoed release with a clear timeline.

Trust & Integrity

Authors are encouraged to share coordinate files, structure factors, cryo-EM maps, restraints, and validation reports when possible.

Visibility

Where possible, assign DOIs to datasets so they can be cited and tracked alongside the article.

Author Support

If embargoes apply, specify the timeline and rationale. Data statements should clarify licensing terms and restrictions.

Data & Access

For third party datasets, describe access criteria and expected response timelines for requests.

Method Clarity

Provide experimental metadata such as beamline, microscope settings, sample preparation, and processing workflows.

Impact

Include software versions, refinement parameters, and validation metrics to support reproducibility.

Compliance

Data citation improves recognition for shared resources and strengthens reuse tracking across platforms.

Research Focus

If data cannot be shared, explain why and consider providing aggregated or summarized results to support verification.

Why It Matters

Provide clear data access instructions to reduce delays for readers and reviewers.

Quality Signals

Use controlled access repositories when privacy concerns limit open sharing.

Trust & Integrity

Include codebooks and variable definitions to support secondary analysis.

Visibility

For imaging data, include resolution, magnification, and analysis methods.

Data Sharing Quick View

  • Data availability statement required
  • PDB, EMDB, or BMRB identifiers preferred
  • Controlled access for restricted data
  • Include code and validation reports when possible
  • Provide accession numbers for structures
  • State embargoes or restrictions clearly
  • Use standard file formats
  • Cite datasets in references

Data Integrity Notes

Strong data practices improve trust and support reuse.

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Repository Alignment

Use PDB, EMDB, or BMRB identifiers to connect structures to publications.

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Embargo Management

Clarify release timelines and access terms for sensitive datasets.

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Documentation

Provide metadata, processing notes, and validation reports.

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Preservation

Use repositories that commit to long term access and version control.

Study Type Expectations

Data sharing expectations vary by study design.

Experimental Structure Data

Experimental

Deposit coordinates, maps, and validation reports when experimental structures are reported.

  • Provide PDB, EMDB, or BMRB identifiers
  • Include structure factors or map files
  • Share validation reports and key metrics
  • Provide accession numbers in the manuscript

Computational Models

Computational

Share model files, input data, and code needed for reproduction.

  • Provide model coordinates and inputs
  • Include software versions and parameters
  • Share scripts and workflows
  • Document model validation steps

Data Sharing Expectations

Use this quick table to align data type and access level.

Data TypeExpectationNotes
CoordinatesDeposit in PDBProvide accession identifiers
Cryo-EM mapsDeposit in EMDBInclude FSC and validation
NMR dataDeposit in BMRBInclude restraints and metadata

Data Callouts

These statements are checked early in editorial screening.

Sensitive

Sensitive Data Handling

Use controlled access repositories when confidentiality, contractual, or legal limits apply.

Reuse

Reproducibility Support

Share code, protocols, and metadata to enable validation and reuse when possible.

Archiving Workflow

Use these steps to prepare data for sharing.

1

Select Repository

Choose established repositories such as PDB, EMDB, BMRB, Zenodo, or Figshare.

2

Prepare Documentation

Include metadata, processing notes, and validation reports for reuse.

3

Write Data Statement

Describe access conditions, licensing terms, and any embargo timelines in the manuscript.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I restrict sensitive data?
Yes. Use controlled access repositories and explain restrictions clearly.
Do I need a DOI for datasets?
Where possible, assign a DOI to support citation and tracking.
What if data cannot be shared?
Explain restrictions and consider sharing aggregated or anonymized data.

Important Points

  • Include data availability statements in every manuscript.
  • Align data sharing with funder and institutional policies.
  • Data citation improves recognition and reuse tracking.

Submit Your Manuscript

Publish with transparent data policies and open access visibility.

For assistance, contact us at [email protected]