Learn how to submit Data Access Requests (DARs) through DUOS in order to request access to controlled-access datasets.
Overview: Data Access Requests
Researchers submit Data Access Requests (DARs) to request access to controlled-access datasets. Researchers can only submit a DAR if their institution's Signing Official has already authorized them to submit DARs to the relevant Data Access Committee (DAC).
How to make a Data Access Request in DUOS
1. If you have not yet registered with DUOS, please make sure to do so via the DUOS homepage.
2. Once registered, you can proceed to the DUOS Data Library to search for and identify the datasets you would like to request, then select them and click the Apply for Access button.
3. You will then be taken to the Data Access Request Application workflow in DUOS. Please fill out the form as directed and click Submit when finished.
What to expect
You will be able to monitor the status of your DAR via your Researcher Console page.
For more information, watch our tutorial video on submitting data access requests (please note that the application form in this video is outdated but the instructions are still valid):
Frequently Asked Questions: Submitting a DAR
Click to expand each question below.
- Yes, you must have a Library Card Agreement before you can submit a data access request.
To obtain a Library Card, please first have your Signing Official log in to DUOS (https://duos.broadinstitute.org/) and complete their profile. Then, please have them email support@duos.org with the following:-
The name of their institution
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Their title at this institution
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A statement confirming they have the authority to engage the institution in legal contracts
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- Each institutions' Signing Official(s) are responsible for evaluating researchers' eligibility to receive a Library Card and submit data access requests. Without this pre-authorization from a Signing Official, a researcher will not be able to submit a DAR.
- Yes, you must have an eRA Commons account in order to request access to data via DUOS. If you do not have an eRA Commons account and would like to obtain one please follow the NIH instructions for eRA Commons User Registration.
- This varies by institution. We suggest that you reach out to the internal colleagues who are the Data Custodians for the dataset(s) and/or your institution’s Signing Official to determine the answer to this question.
Frequently Asked Questions: DAR approval
Click to expand each question below.
- Each DAC in DUOS is self-managed, meaning researchers may experience different average turnaround times from each DAC. DUOS’ aim is to decrease turnaround time as much as possible while ensuring a thorough DAR review.
- Each DAC may store its data in different locations, however much of the data accessible via DUOS is available in Terra. Access to data is provided by the individual data custodian for each dataset. If the data custodian has not reached out to you within 24 hours of approval of your DAR, please reach out directly to the data custodian listed in the DUOS Data Library.
For questions or issues on accessing data via Terra please see the Terra support documentation, or reach out to the support team directly at support@terra.bio - Please contact the Data Custodian listed for the dataset(s) in the DUOS Dataset Library.
- Most often, this occurs when the proposed research is not permitted by the data use limitations on the dataset(s). Please note that each DAC in DUOS is self-managed and DUOS is not permitted to share results or comments with researchers beyond what is provided to the researcher by the DAC. In the near future, DACs will have the option of providing comments to the researcher when conveying a DAR decision.