University of the Witwatersrand Adopts Figshare for Open Data Initiatives
Johannesburg, 18 June 2024 – The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) has announced its collaboration with Figshare to enhance its open data capabilities. This partnership aims to support the university’s research community by providing advanced tools for archiving, publishing, sharing, and promoting datasets.
Advancing Research with Figshare
Wits, a prestigious research institution in South Africa and ranked as the second-best university in Africa alongside Stellenbosch University, has joined 18 other institutions in the country utilizing Figshare as their data repository. This move solidifies Figshare’s presence in the region, now collaborating with the top nine universities in Africa.
Figshare will enable Wits researchers, academics, and postgraduate students to assign Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) to their research data, ensuring it is easily findable, trackable, and citable. The platform’s integration with international data harvesters will increase the visibility and discoverability of Wits’ research outputs.
Enhancing Collaboration and Compliance
The Wits Library anticipates that this new repository will foster collaborations and partnerships by linking research data to published articles and other outputs shared across various repositories. The user-friendly interface and comprehensive support documentation provided by Figshare were significant factors in Wits’ decision, as these features ensure ease of use and access to crucial usage metrics, including views, downloads, Altmetric data, and citations.
Moreover, the Figshare repository will help Wits comply with funder requirements for data sharing, adhering to open research practices and FAIR data principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).
Statements from Key Stakeholders
Dr. Daisy Selematsela, University Librarian at Wits, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to bring Figshare to Wits, supporting our academics, researchers, and students in making their research outputs citable, shareable, and discoverable. This platform will also contribute to the national data repository, highlighting the significant research conducted at our institution.”
Mark Hahnel, Founder of Figshare and Digital Science’s VP of Open Research, remarked, “We are proud to have a strong Figshare community in South Africa, with leading institutions like Wits joining us. We look forward to supporting Wits in achieving their open data goals and providing the infrastructure necessary for adhering to funder policies and open research best practices.”
About the University of the Witwatersrand
Situated in Johannesburg, South Africa, the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is a leading institution known for its significant contributions to the palaeo-sciences. With a history of nearly a century in scientific research, Wits continues to be a major educational and research hub, aiming to drive change and development in African societies. The university comprises five faculties and 33 schools, spread over two campuses in Braamfontein and Parktown, and is recognized globally for its academic excellence.
About Figshare
Figshare, a Digital Science solution, provides robust institutional repository infrastructure, enabling institutions to manage and share research outputs in a discoverable, citable, and reportable manner. Figshare supports the growing demands for open, FAIRer, and connected research management workflows.
About Digital Science
Digital Science is a technology company focused on providing AI-driven solutions to challenges in the research sector. It collaborates with researchers, universities, funders, industry, and publishers to advance global research for societal benefits.
For further information, visit the official websites of Wits University, Figshare, and Digital Science.
