Abstract
Open data are data that can be freely used, reused and redistributed by any person, and that are, at most, subject to the attribution requirement and shared in the same way in which they appear. This paper describes the concept of open data and research data and why it is important to share them. The advantages and disadvantages of data sharing and the procedure for carrying out this practice are discussed. We specifies the elements that should constitute the data management plan or document that describes the treatment that will receive the research data collected or generated in the course of a study or project. Finally, the green and gold routes for the publication of the data and the need to put at the service of the researchers the technical advice and the infrastructures necessary to carry out these practices are presented.