Data Stewardship
A careful, science-first approach to how we steward and share data in the public interest.
Project HubBeing Responsible
We approach data access as part of our responsibility to contributors, researchers, and the public. This page explains why we share data carefully, grounded in scientific integrity, public responsibility, and long-term trust.
Purpose and Non-Profit Basis
LUMINA exists to support scientific understanding, education, and public-interest research. Our orientation is non-profit and public benefit, rather than commercial gain.
Income is used to cover operating costs and infrastructure, with any surplus reinvested into research, education, or other mission-aligned activity. LUMINA is not yet a registered charity, but it is operated with clear charitable intent and expects its governance to evolve accordingly.
Proportionate and Responsible Access
We share data in ways that preserve scientific context and integrity, protect contributors and participating communities, and reduce the risk of misuse or misinterpretation. This reflects the care required of a national scientific capability.
The level of access reflects purpose and context, and the responsibility required to interpret the data well. Our starting point is judgement, proportionality, and long-term trust.
Different Users, Different Levels of Access
Access tends to differ by use case and audience. The examples below reflect how we typically share data in practice.
General Public
We usually provide summaries, trends, indicators, or interpreted outputs that are designed to be clear and responsible. Raw datasets are not normally shared in this context.
Researchers and Academics
Researchers may request access to raw or partially processed data. We consider requests case-by-case, based on research purpose and public benefit, and may agree practical expectations around scope, handling, and attribution.
Public Sector, Education, and Non-Profit Organisations
Access is considered in line with public-interest outcomes and shared learning. Decisions are guided by proportionality, responsibility, and the value of the intended use.
Attribution and Knowledge Sharing
We value attribution because it acknowledges contributors, supports transparency, and strengthens public understanding of light pollution and night-sky quality. In practice, we look for attribution that is clear and visible wherever LUMINA data or outputs are used.
For academic and research use, we welcome the sharing of findings, summaries, or publications with LUMINA as part of shared learning. This supports institutional learning, long-term interpretation, and future collaboration. Publication requirements vary, and this guidance is intended to align with established academic practice.
Costs and Sustainability
Access for public-good purposes is generally provided without charge. In limited circumstances, we may invite contributions toward operational costs to sustain continuity.
Any contributions are intended solely to support continuity and infrastructure. LUMINA does not operate for commercial profit and does not offer exclusive access.
Oversight and Evolution
Our access decisions are guided by scientific integrity, public benefit, and long-term trust. This page describes our approach as a matter of stewardship rather than contract.
Our processes will mature as the project grows, but the core principles -- non-profit purpose, proportional access, and public benefit -- will remain fixed.