How to Access Data

Each of the databases has specific requirements for use. These are discussed in detail in the description of the databases. Some requirements are common to all of the databases.

Registration of the project with ACARD

All projects must be registered with ACARD. Email Rita Schinnar, ritas@mail.med.upenn.edu
Data use and approval agreement

Most of the databases have internal user’s agreements that must be signed. These user’s agreements were created to facilitate compliance with Penn’s licenses to use the databases. Email Rita Schinnar for user’s agreements ritas@mail.med.upenn.edu
IRB approval for all projects

IRB approvals are required for all projects. Most projects using these resources meet the IRB criteria for either expedited approval or exempt status. Even those projects meeting the criteria for exempt status must be registered with the IRB. The IRB protocol number is required to obtain access to the databases.
Scientific and ethical approval

For additional details specific to individual databases refer to Database Descriptionswhich provide links to the necessary approval forms needed from the organizations that own the databases.