Data detectives, self-love, and humility: a research parasite's perspective

Abstract

Abstract Secondary analysis solidifies and expands upon scientific knowledge through the re-analysis of existing datasets. However, researchers performing secondary analyses must develop specific skills to be successful and can benefit from adopting some computational best practices. Recognizing this work is also key to building and supporting a community of researchers who contribute to the scientific ecosystem through secondary analyses. The Research Parasite Awards are one such avenue, celebrating outstanding contributions to the rigorous secondary analysis of data. As the recipient of a 2019 Junior Research Parasite Award, I was asked to provide some perspectives on life as a research parasite, which I share in this commentary.