Controlled-Access Human Data - Policy and Requests
Controlled-access data is available to authorized users for specific research use only after approval by the Data Access Committee (DAC). The request process is described below.
Before You Begin
Before starting a Data Access Request (DAR), make sure you:
- Confirm you meet eligibility requirements (see required credentials)
- Join the FaceBase Users group
- Prepare the required information (see below)
Eligibility Requirements
Review the required credentials to confirm:
- Who is eligible to submit a DAR
- Institutional signing official requirements
- Additional roles and definitions described in the Data Use Certification (DUC)
Join the FaceBase Users Group
To create and submit a DAR, you must join the FaceBase Users group.
- Click Sign Up at the top right corner of the FaceBase site
or use this link - Log in with Globus
- Request to join the FaceBase Users group
If you have previously submitted data to FaceBase, you may already be a member.
Information You’ll Need
Prepare the following before starting your request.
Research Description
- Research Use Statement
Summary of your research intent, including:- Objectives
- Study design
- Analysis plan
- Non-Technical Summary
Brief lay description of your proposed work
Note: If your request is approved, these summaries will be publicly viewable.
Compliance and Data Use
- Description of how your research aligns with applicable Data Use Limitations (DULs)
- Description of data security measures used to protect downloaded data
Team Information
- List of collaborators (internal and external)
IRB Documentation (if required)
If the requested dataset requires IRB approval, you will need:
- IRB letter
- IRB-approved protocol describing your use of the data
For questions about IRB requirements, contact the DAC at
nidcrfacebasedac@mail.nih.gov
or see the IRB FAQ
Applying for Access to Controlled Data
To access controlled data, follow the steps below:
- A. Read and complete the Data Use Certification (DUC)
- B. Complete the online Data Access Request (DAR) form
- C. Select the requested datasets
- D. Print, sign, and submit the DUC and DAR forms
- E. Await notification
- F. Create or upload an encryption key
- G. Renew access or submit closeout
Video Overview
The following video (from a FaceBase Bootcamp) provides an overview of the request process: