Data Use Request (DUR) Process

Data Use Request

A Data Use Request (DUR) is an online application submitted by the researcher within the N3C Data Enclave that describes the scope and nature of the project and justifies the requested data access tier. Approval of the DUR by the Data Access Committee (DAC) is required before a researcher can access data within the enclave. (Approved DURs are valid for 1 year.) The following steps outline the process for a researcher to either submit a DUR for a new project or join an existing project.

You can also view tutorials for submitting a DUR on the N3C Tutorials page:

• N3C Data Enclave Introduction & Data Use Request (DUR) Process (recorded 11.17.2020)
• N3C Data Use Request (DUR) Process & Request for Appeal (recorded 10.06.2020)

Overview:

READ the checklist   before starting the Data Use Request (DUR) process.

1. Lead Investigator submits a Data Use Request online within the N3C Data Enclave
2. Data Access Committee (DAC) reviews and approves the research project
3. Researchers are given access to the N3C data

Data User Request (DUR) Process:

First Time User Prerequisites

Step 1: Data Use Access

• Confirm your institution has an executed Data Use Agreement (DUA) (See DUA Signatory list)
  • If your institution does not have a signed DUA, obtain a copy of the DUA to be signed by your institution and email it to NCATSPartnerships@mail.nih.gov for counter-signature by NCATS.
• Acquire an ORCID ID (account creation is free and quick). This is required both for registration and contributor attribution.

Step 2: Training Requirements (Current w/in last 3 years)

• Completion of NIH Information Security and Information Management Training.
• Completion date of Human Subjects Protection training for accessing the limited or de-identified datasets only (ex. through CITI Program or NIH).

Step 3: Register for Access (Two-Factor Authentication)

• Register with N3C and request an N3C Data Enclave account. (Allow 1-3 days for approval.)
• NCATS requires two-factor authentication for access to the N3C Data Enclave. Before you apply for a DUR, download a two-factor authentication app on your smartphone or tablet: DUO, Free OTP, Google Authenticator, or Microsoft Authenticator.

Submit/Join a Project

Step 4: Submit the Electronic Data Use Request (DUR) Form

Log into the N3C Data Enclave to complete and submit the electronic Data Use Request form. The online form will prompt for description of the scope and nature of the work and justification for the level of data access being requested. 

• During this online process, all users will review and attest to the Community Guiding Principles and the Attribution and Publication principles.
• Researchers will also read and attest to the N3C Data Use Agreement (DUA) and the N3C Data User Code of Conduct.
• The institution’s IRB determination letter is required when requesting access to the limited dataset. Upload a PDF of the determination letter documenting approval of the research protocol.

Step 5: Await Data Access Committee (DAC) Review Approval

If approved, the user will receive an email with instructions for accessing the N3C Data Enclave. Researchers are then given access to the secure platform, which includes both training and ongoing support. (DUR approvals are valid for 1 year.)

Step 6: Begin Research