The main issue of ClimateGate that is often overlooked is the attempts by scientists to avoid releasing their data, either voluntarily or under FOIA actions. I am reposting this because I would like to advance this issue, possibly with a petition, similar to the letter by 255 scientists to Science Magazine.
Both Science Magazine and Nature Magazine have detailed requirements for data archiving. The NSF has requirements that need improving. It is hard to understand why Nature, having a sound policy that states, “An inherent principle of publication is that others should be able to replicate and build upon the authors’ published claims” could defend those who went to extreme measures to prevent disclosure. (more…)