ACCESS TO SAMPLES AND DATA FOR CANCER RESEARCH
NCRI has developed tools to facilitate access to samples and data. These are
- an online Cancer Biosample Directory - signposting researchers to relevant sample collections
- a practical toolkit to help develop an access policy and data and material transfer agreement (MTA)
Cancer Biosample Directory
This directory provides a method for researchers to find samples and for sample custodians to raise awareness of their collections. The directory can be searched for cancer biosamples held in either general biobank collections and in collections associated with specific clinical trials. Information is included about how access may be possible and how to contact custodians.
View the Cancer Biosample Directory
Template for Access Policy Development
We created a template for access policy development that can be considered for adaptation to their purposes by a variety of individual fundingand research organisations. The document has two parts:
- A template list of terms for an access policy for a specific Collection of data or samples, with options for tailoring to circumstance.
- A template Data and Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) which can again be used by anyone as a starting point.
Download the Template document (Word file)
Before making use of the template you should read the disclaimer at the bottom of this page.
This toolkit is not intended to impose policy and practice but rather to provide a practical instrument which (i) reflects established good practice principles, (ii) can be tailored to particular circumstances, and (iii) helps avoid unnecessary duplication of effort.
The example text in the template is explicitly designed to be adapted or adopted; please feel free to use it in your own policies with any appropriate modifications. We would be grateful if you would inform us of how you are using the template and acknowledge the use as appropriate.
The content of the template and wording was informed by a consultation conducted in 2008. The current version of the document is published as an open draft for consultation and will be updated based on comments received. If you have any comments or suggestions for improving the document please send them via email or use our feedback form available below.
Disclaimer
The material on this website, including the example Material Transfer Agreement, is for information only and is not intended to constitute a definitive or complete statement of the law on any subject, nor is it intended to constitute any form of legal advice. You should not use or otherwise view the content of this website as a substitute for obtaining your own specific legal advice. If you wish to use the content of this website in any jurisdiction other than the UK, we would strongly suggest that that you obtain your own specific local legal advice before proceeding. Although we try to ensure that the information on this website is accurate, we cannot be held responsible for any reliance that you place on it and we give you no warranty or assurance in that respect. We hereby declare and, by accessing and using our website, you acknowledge that all implied warranties and conditions are excluded.
