FAQs
How does the ELIXIR Luxembourg Data Sustainability service differ from the European Genome-Phenome Archive (EGA) and other life-science repositories?
ELIXIR Luxembourg goes beyond data hosting by actively supporting the long-term usability, documentation, and regulatory compliance of datasets, platforms, and projects. We integrate sustainability governance by assisting data providers in defining access models, setting up data access committees, and ensuring adherence to GDPR and relevant national legal frameworks.
The ELIXIR Luxembourg Data Sustainability service, hosted by LCSB at the University of Luxembourg, offers a unique model for biomedical data management that differs significantly from established repositories like the European Genome-Phenome Archive (EGA). Here's a breakdown of the key differences:
| Aspect | EGA | ELIXIR-LU |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Framework | DPA for submission, dataset-specific DUA | Unified ToS for submission, standardized DUA for use |
| Type of Data | Mostly genomics | Data type agnostic |
| GDPR Role – Submitter | Controller | Controller or Joint-Controller |
| GDPR Role – Repository | Processor | Processor or Controller |
| Organization | EMBL-EBI | University of Luxembourg (LCSB) |
| Data Location | UK / Spain | Luxembourg |
| Data Upload | IBM Aspera with special box token | LFT (IBM Aspera) via link from data stewards |
| Metadata Upload | Metadata submission portal | Work in progress |
| Access & Metadata Catalog | Searchable metadata catalog and secure file access | Complete service: catalog, secure access, legal negotiation, ... |
After you deposit data with ELIXIR Luxembourg, you retain ownership and control. ELIXIR's role is operational and administrative: it stores and redistributes data under your instruction, manages contractual arrangements (Data Use Agreements), and coordinates user access requests and communications on your behalf.
Why should I submit data under open access to ELIXIR Luxembourg instead of elsewhere?
ELIXIR Luxembourg is a governed ecosystem that balances open science with data sovereignty, participant rights, and scientific sustainability. It is a part of a federated ELIXIR network built to make European life-science data interoperable, reusable, and ethically governed. Luxembourg node affords a team of data stewards that offer you support throughout the data submission and approval process, which ensures your deposition is ultimately more FAIR and visible.
Additional services such as fast download, disease map hosting, and metadata harmonization can be included to support data reuse.
Is my data safe?
Yes. ELIXIR Luxembourg applies strict data governance and security measures, including controlled access, GDPR compliance, and infrastructure hosted entirely in Luxembourg.
What measures ensure that data is not transferred to non-safe countries?
ELIXIR Luxembourg enforces due diligence through: - Collection of detailed metadata about each access request - Review by a Data Access Committee - Use of standard contractual clauses in the Data Use Agreement to ensure legal protection
Is federated access possible if I want to retain data locally?
ELIXIR-Luxembourg is currently implementing necessary measures to ensure the option of a federated access setup. For more information, please contact lcsb-datastewards@uni.lu
Federated access will is supported via DS-PACK, an in-house toolkit for data stewardship. Data providers will need to adapt their infrastructure to support the federation of authorization: - Integrate with ELIXIR Luxembourg’s authorization system via API - Ensure local infrastructure can translate and enforce authorization information (access permissions)
Can I restrict access to my project or consortium partners only?
Yes, closed access hosting during active projects is possible. Morover, once the project has ended, this will facilitate the transition to the sustainability stage, if you so decide.
However, closed access hosting is not part of the Data Sustainability service, which focuses on enabling secondary use. For tailored solutions, please consult the ELIXIR Luxembourg service portfolio or contact the team directly.
My organization is not based in Luxembourg. Can I still use the service? Who can deposit the data to ELIXIR Luxembourg?
The service is available to international organizations, provided the data meets basic criteria: - Relevance to the life sciences domain - Intended for secondary use
What types of data do you accept?
You can deposit a broad range of life-science data types including both quantitative and qualitative data. All submissions must comply with relevant ethical and legal requirements, use recommended or acceptable file formats, and be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation.
How are user queries about my submitted data handled?
ELIXIR Luxembourg ensures data is harmonized and annotated with minimal metadata. If users have questions: - Queries are forwarded to the data provider via an established communication channel - In complex cases, the provider’s contact details may be shared to facilitate direct exchange
How much does it cost?
The services of ELIXIR Luxembourg are provided in principle free of charge and supported by Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the University of Luxembourg.
In case data users have questions about the data, how are these handled?
ELIXIR Luxembourg strives to collect detailed metadata and FAIRify the data upon submission to minimize the number of such queries. In case of any questions, ELIXIR Luxembourg data stewards act as first line of support. If the resolution is not possible, data provider is contacted.
Do I need to use institutional email addresses for all of the personnel and students on my application? Yes, the ELIXIR-Luxembourg uses the institutional email addresses provided for all authorized personnel and students to verify their affiliation. All authorized students and personnel must be employed by your institution, as the Institutional Representative signs the Data Access Agreement on behalf of all the employees and students of the institution.
Is there a maximum size for data files? The maximum size of a data submission is 10 TB. Exceeding this limit is possible but subject to further negotiation.