Final answer:
The voluntary release of information for research purposes is called data sharing, which comes with ethical obligations such as informed consent and data management at the conclusion of a research project.
Step-by-step explanation:
The voluntary release of information by one investigator or institution to another for purposes of scientific research is known as data sharing. This practice is essential in the scientific community as it enables researchers to build upon each other's work, verify results, and contribute to a greater understanding of the topics studied. When engaging in data sharing, researchers must navigate ethical considerations and protocols to ensure the protection of information and the rights of subjects involved in the research. This includes obtaining written consent, ensuring transparency about the use of data, and discussing the rights to review and potentially edit research findings.
Moreover, when a research project is concluded, the handling of the research data must be considered. It might be archived for future use or destroyed to prevent any unintended utilization. The decisions regarding data should align with the goals of the research and the commitments made to research participants and collaborators, who may have legal or ethical claims to the data or its outcomes.