GloPID-R’s Data Sharing Working Group Launches a Visionary Implementation Guide

Annecy, France – April 30, 2025 – At a two-day in-person meeting of the GloPID-R Data Sharing Working Group, held in Annecy on April 29–30, 2025, the group officially launched its suite of implementation tools, including a dedicated GloPID-R Data Sharing Implementation Guide — a forward-looking and practical tool to help research funders support their grantees in sharing research data during outbreaks.

Recognising the vital importance of timely and effective data sharing during public health emergencies (PHEs), GloPID-R began this journey in 2018 by establishing a set of principles to guide data sharing systems. These principles formed the foundations of the GloPID-R Roadmap for Data Sharing in a PHE, published in 2019, which presented a strategic framework for research funders to improve data sharing through both what they fund and how they fund it.

Developed by the GloPID-R Research and Policy Team in collaboration with the Data Sharing Working Group, the newly released Implementation Guide, builds on this foundation, offering tangible, actionable steps for funders to translate the Roadmap’s recommendations into day-to-day practice. Along with the other tools developed, including a Repository of Resources, and systematic mapping of funders’ policies and practices, the guide reflects the current state of best practice and is designed to be flexible and responsive to the evolving landscape of sharing research data in a PHE.

“This implementation support tools are a major step forward,” said Dr Duduzile Ndwandwe, Co-Chair of the Data Sharing Working Group and Deputy Director at Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council. “We’re providing practical tools to help funders move from principle to action — to ensure that data sharing becomes a routine and supported part of research, not just during emergencies, but always.”

“The suite of implementation tools developed represents an important shift from setting expectations to enabling action,” said Alice Norton, GloPID-R Scientific Director and Co-Chair of the GloPID-R Data Sharing Working Group. “By offering clear, funder-focused tools, we aim to build a culture where data sharing is anticipated, supported, and rewarded — ultimately accelerating research impact during public health emergencies.”

The guide includes:

• Suggested language for funders to integrate into their data sharing policies and grant conditions
• Guidance for launching and managing rapid-response funding calls
• Strategies to embed data sharing as a routine element of funded research project

Its development was underpinned by in-depth consultation and research, including:

• A mapping review of current funder policies and practices, validated by funders themselves, to identify alignment with the Roadmap and highlight implementation progress
• Three roundtable meetings with 17 research funding organisations, where funders shared insights and ambitions for future implementation
• One roundtable co-convened with the CERCLE coalition, incorporating researcher perspectives on building sustainable capacity for data sharing

GloPID-R invites its members, partners, and the wider research funding community to explore the suite of implementation tools, share them with colleagues, and take an active role in shaping the future of equitable, timely, and effective data sharing in global health research.

Learn More:

Implementation Tools for Data Sharing

GloPID-R Roadmap for Data Sharing in Public Health Emergencies

Data Sharing Working Group