Accessing Genomic Data

NIH requires anyone interested in using controlled access genomic data to meet minimum qualifications. To be eligible to apply for data access, you must be:

• a permanent employee at your institution and at a level equivalent to a tenure-track professor, or
• a senior scientist with responsibilities (which may include laboratory or research program administration and oversight).

Extramural investigators meeting these qualifications must also have an NIH eRA Commons account to input their Institution’s Signing Official (who will confirm that the investigator meets the criteria to use controlled access data) and to receive credentials to submit a Data Access Request (DAR). Individuals who do not have an eRA Commons account can request one on the eRA Commons website.

For an overview of the controlled access workflow:

• Extramural Investigators—Review this process to access data sets in the Database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP).
• Intramural Investigators and NCI Staff—Review this process to access data sets in dbGaP.

NCI intramural investigators can use their NIH username and password to request access to dbGaP using the internal Account Activation Registration form. Contact the NCI Office of Data Sharing for access instructions.

Request Controlled Access Data

To submit an online request for controlled access data, follow these instructions:

• Log on to the NIH dbGaP Authorized Access System using your NIH or eRA Commons credentials.
• Submit an online Data Access Request (DAR). Before you submit, refer to the National Center for Biotechnology Information document for tips on preparing a successful DAR.

Once completed, your DAR will be forwarded to your Institutional Signing Official for review, approval, and co-signature. The signed DAR is then forwarded to the NCI Data Access Committee (DAC) to evaluate whether the request meets the expectations of the Data Use Certification and requested study data use limitation(s). The NCI DAC will review and return decisions within 14 days. If your request is approved, you will receive instructions on how to access the data sets.

Assign Designated Downloaders

All investigators, their lab staff, and listed approved collaborators receiving data through dbGaP must agree to abide by the Genomic Data User Code of Conduct.

Approved users for dbGaP projects may authorize their lab staff to access the data. These individuals must:

• have an eRA Commons account or an NIH username and password.
• log in to dbGaP at least once.

The designated downloaders will only have access to approved data sets the investigator has assigned to them.