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Requesting access

Data users may represent different entities, including academic researchers, public or private organizations, or industry. Upon identifying a dataset of interest, users inspect the available metadata and other available documentation (e.g. data dictionary) before requesting access.

Data access at ELIXIR Luxembourg is determined by the dataset’s access level. Depending on the sensitivity and other applicable restrictions, datasets can be accessed without restrictions (under open license), while others require controlled access.

Accessing open access datasets

  • Access is granted without additional approval steps.
  • Some datasets may require registration for traceability purposes.

Note

Users are still bound by ethical and research standards and must comply with the conditions of use.

Accessing controlled-access datasets

The process for requesting access to controlled-access datasets requires additional steps including formal access request submission, review by data access commitee and signing of data use agreement.

Initial contact

Catalog items for datasets hosted under controlled access level contain “Request Data Access” button. The user will first be prompted to log in with their identity provider (see User Authentication for more detail). Once the user is logged in, they will be redirected to a data request page listing general and data specific conditions of access, additional steps to follow and applicable obligations.

Data Access Request Form

Users are asked to provide more information via a dedicated form. The requested information includes:

  • A more detailed description of how and for which purpose the data will be used by the user institution (i.e., details about the scientific project).
  • Contact information of all personnel with prospective data access.
  • Information about how the research project meets all ethical requirements (e.g., ID/number of ethical approval).
  • Confirmation of acknowledgment of all dataset-specific use restrictions.

An example of such form can be accessed here.

Once the data access reques is received, it is forwarded to data access commmitee for review. For more information, consult the designated Request review and Legal negotiation pages.