Skip to content

Renewal and Closure

ELIXIR Luxembourg is committed to maintaining access to datasets as long as they retain value for future research and reuse. When a dataset's hosting period approaches its end, ELIXIR Luxembourg contacts the original data provider to evaluate data continued relevance and utility. Data is retained for the duration specified in the Hosting and Processing Agreement (typically 10 years).

Based on this evaluation, one of two actions is taken:

  • Extension: A new hosting agreement is established to continue providing access.
  • Closure: The dataset is securely removed from the platform, and associated services are discontinued.

Assessing Dataset Use

ELIXIR-LU generates a report containing available information about data use and its impact. The decision to extend or discontinue hosting is based on a joint assessment by the data provider and the ELIXIR-LU review committee. Key criteria include:

  • Frequency and impact of data access requests (e.g. citations, publications)
  • Continued relevance of the dataset in the current scientific context
  • Dataset size and storage requirements
  • Quality of metadata, documentation, and overall FAIRness (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, Reusability)

Extending Hosting Services

If the dataset is deemed valuable, a standard hosting agreement is renewed with the provider. This agreement may include updated terms to reflect changes in ELIXIR Luxembourg's service offerings.

Note

Renewing hosting is typically faster and simpler than the initial submission, as many steps such as data curation and metadata collection do not need to be repeated.

Closing Hosting Services

If the dataset is no longer considered useful, it is securely deleted from the ELIXIR Luxembourg platform.

As part of good scientific practice:

  • Metadata records are retained.
  • Catalogue entries and links are marked as Deprecated, along with a reason for deprecation.

Tip

The data provider may supply a statement to be included in the deprecation notice, allowing users to contact them or be redirected to a new data location if applicable.