This document summarizes the state of open research data by outlining its evolution over time. It begins with centralized data centers in the 1960s and progresses to more collaborative models of data sharing through community agreements and online supplementary materials. The benefits of open data are discussed, including increased reproducibility and citation advantages for authors who share. While open data is ideal, achieving 3-star open standards according to the 5 star scheme is currently realistic. The future may bring stricter funding and publishing requirements to encourage more widespread data sharing.