Sound Data Management Training

Freedom Of Information¶

Freedom of information (FoI) gives people the right to request data held by public bodies - it is not a question of who originated the data, rather a question of who holds it. However, the copyright relating to information supplied under FoI requests remains unchanged -

The Freedom of Information Act states that research data:

• can be held indefinitely
• is not subject to FoI requests - unless individuals are identified in published research
• can be used for other research uses
• and may be exempt from FoI requests on grounds of future publication or commercial interest.

Further information:

• QMUL information on Freedom of Information
• QMUL slides for a presentation on Data Protection, Freedom of Information and Research
• JISC information on freedom of information and research data

The Act:

• Freedom Of Information Act 2000