Data sharing: Some points of view for scrutiny

The phenomenon of data sharing has evoked a recent reawakening of interest in the scientific world. This has been particularly so with respect to the medical literature. Data sharing is the implementation of a system of making data obtained and used for learned research, available and accessible to other investigators. From time immemorial, replication and imitation have an extended history in scholastic and academic science. In fact in the present day and age, such ventures are even in line with the motto of The Royal Society, 'Nullius in verba', which when interpreted means, "take no man's word for it”. In addition, from an ethical perspective, data sharing has assumed an ever so important and extraordinary position in today’s academia because transparency, honesty and openness are considered by most discerning individuals to be a part of the scientific method.