The Nelson Memo’s Implications for Education Research and Data Equity

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

In 2022, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), under the leadership of Dr. Alondra Nelson, released a memorandum— commonly called the “Nelson Memo” —that directs federal agencies such as the Department of Education and National Science Foundation to ensure the public has free, immediate access to federally-funded research. OSTP supported its directive by noting that data sharing improves research transparency and replicability, supports public trust in the scientific enterprise, and increases the value of data through creative reuse. With its focus on democratizing research, the Nelson Memo aims to increase equitable access to data in research communities. However questions about its equitable implementation remain. For researchers from under-resourced institutions, unfunded mandates could exacerbate inequities. Researchers also need to understand how there can be potential for harm to marginalized populations. We will discuss the challenges and benefits of data sharing requirements, as well as the differences in agency response, as we consider the impact of the Nelson Memo on education research and equity.

Sub Unit

• AERA Research and Science Policy Sessions

Chair

• Felice J. Levine, American Educational Research Association

Participants

• Kei Koizumi, The White House, Office of Science and Technology Policy

• Leher Singh, University of Maryland - Baltimore County

• Elizabeth R. Albro, Institute of Education Sciences

• Margaret Levenstein, University of Michigan

• Andrew Ho, Harvard University