SAMPLES AND DATA FOR CANCER RESEARCH: TEMPLATE FOR ACCESS POLICY DEVELOPMENT
NCRI launches template for sharing research data and samples
Before making use of the template you should read the disclaimer at the bottom of this page.
To download the template document as a Word file please click here
To download a feedback form please click here
Access to samples and data for cancer research
Issues relating to access to personal data and biosamples are being much debated in many arenas. In the cancer research community we are looking to provide a focus for synthesising the key issues, in a way that will help to avoid individual researchers and funders repeating the same background work each time a policy is needed for a new study or collection of data and/or samples. We believe that currently effort is being duplicated and that such duplication is not in the public interest.
We have created a template for access policy development that can be considered for adaptation to their purposes by a variety of individual funding and 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.
This exercise 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.
This 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 the feedback form available below.
Consultation on ‘Access to samples and data for cancer research’
To inform development of the template, the NCRI, in collaboration with the National Cancer Intelligence Network and onCore UK, ran a consultation on these issues between August and October 2008. The responses to the consultation strongly supported its objective and we would like to thank all those who took the time to respond. We have published a summary of the opinions expressed, which we hope will be a useful overview of the issues relating to access to personal data and biosamples. We have made the executive summary of this document and links to published responses to the consultation available separately.
To view the letter introducing the consultation click here.
To view the original consultation document click here.
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.
