A modular and extensible research data management toolbox based on the programming language Python and the widely used computing platform Jupyter Notebook has been established for the acquisition, visualization, analysis and storage of small-angle X-ray scattering data.

Interoperability of scientific data within crystallography has been achieved to a high level by the adoption of standard exchange formats and protocols. Extending such interoperability across other disciplines is a goal of the International Science Council Committee CODATA, to which the IUCr has been a leading contributor. Our article combines a description of the importance of interoperability for addressing grand challenges with a desire to stimulate the crystallographic community to continue exploring this topic.

Guidance is provided on depositing raw diffraction data to support the results described in a macromolecular crystallography paper.

Visualization renders structural molecular data accessible to a broad audience. An approach to share molecular-visualization experiences based on FAIR principles is described. The workflow is exemplified with recent COVID-19-related data.

It is discussed how the metadata for the workflow from protein crystallization to the deposition of crystal structures can best be captured by using a dedicated but flexible laboratory information management system that can be either a standalone installation or a hosted service to mitigate the IT risks.

A large portion of the research community concerned with high data-rate macromolecular crystallography has agreed to an updated specification of data and metadata for diffraction images to be produced at light sources to facilitate the processing of data sets and to enable data archiving according to FAIR principles. Here, the resulting standard is presented.

The members of the Open Reflectometry Standards Organisation outline their best practice for reporting the results of Bayesian analysis of reflectometry measurements. Following this advice will enable greater reproducibility and improve understanding.

Defining best practice in science is challenging. International consensus is facilitated by the International Science Council via its members such as the International Union of Crystallography. The IUCr Journals editorial boards are a practical forum for setting the criteria to decide if a study's files are truly the `version of record'. Within that, reality involves a variance of reasonable workflows. Workflows must be detailed carefully by authors in explaining what they have done.

Across the sciences, generic monitors of trust in results from science are being introduced. As educators and researchers, the authors consider these terms within the context of biological and chemical crystal structure analyses.

The policy of IUCr Journals on diffraction data is defined.