knowledge in a particular field, data professionals can make key intellectual contributions to the progress of research.

Data professionals have a wide range of backgrounds, levels of training, and roles in research. Some serve in a support role for research groups; others make substantial intellectual or other contributions to research that warrant professional rewards such as inclusion in a list of authors. The roles of data professionals vary from field to field, but in an increasing number of fields, data professionals are assuming a shared professional responsibility with researchers for maintaining the integrity of research data. Chapters 3 and 4 return to the roles of data professionals in enabling access to and preserving research data. The following recommendation reflects their importance in ensuring data integrity.

Recommendation 4: Research institutions, professional societies, and journals should ensure that the contributions of data professionals to research are appropriately recognized. In addition, research sponsors should acknowledge that financial support for data professionals is an appropriate research cost in an increasing number of fields.