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Until recently, youth researchers had their own little treasure chest, filled with data intended exclusively for their own research. Chantal Kemner, research leader of the large-scale research into the development of children in Utrecht, decided that needed to change. 'A few years ago, at the start of our YOUth research, I said it needed to be open, but secure. I know how inconvenient it can be if data are not readily accessible.' During the YOUth DataDay on 30 October, Kemner and colleagues from Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ explained how they are going to make privacy-sensitive data available to other researchers.

The data that researchers from the YOUth project collect are unique and comprehensive. 'We collect all sorts of data from participating babies, children and youths. The data collected range from genetic material to answers to questions about the environment in which the child is growing up, all in order to ascertain what factors play a role in the development of children.'
 

Safe deposit box

Naturally, the data have to be handled with care. In order to ensure that the data are as secure as possible, Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ's ITS (Information and Technology Services) collaborated with Kemner's YOUth consortium to develop YODA, a system in which all researchers at Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ can now store large amounts of research data reliably and for a longer period of time. Kemner: 'YODA is a kind of safe deposit box, which only a few people can access. This is how we ensure that the data are secure. I don't have access either.'

The data steward has the final say

Data steward

But how accessible are the data if even the research leader of the YOUth consortium does not have access? Kemner explains that everyone who needs part of the data for their own research can submit an application. 'I have to do it as well', she adds. A committee assesses whether or not it is a good research question, and how the applicant can contribute to the research. If the committee decides on a positive judgement, the application will go to the data steward. Kemner: 'The data steward assesses whether the data can be provided in a secure fashion. For example, it must not be possible to trace the data back to data subjects in any way. If it isn't secure, the application will be rejected. The steward has the final say.' 
 

During the YOUth DataDay, various researchers shared their experiences of and perspective on open science. Kemner: 'The goal of this morning was to initiate the debate on open science. I'm very pleased with the results.'

Research theme Dynamics of Youth

If you want to tackle social problems, it would be best to start with children. The Utrecht-based research theme Dynamics of Youth invests in a resilient youth. Academics from all fields collaborate in order to learn to better understand child development. How can we help children and youngsters to grow and flourish in our rapidly changing society?​