Accessing NSHD Data

The MRC’s overarching aims for data sharing is that data must be made available with as few restrictions as possible, to maximise the value of the data, improve research reproducibility and for patient and public benefit. Data must be shared in a timely and responsible manner and in line with relevant legal, policy and ethical standards, including when operating internationally.

The LHA is responsible for the governance of the NSHD and has a Data Sharing Committee which manages the review of applications for access to NSHD data in a way that adheres to the MRC’s aims for data sharing.

Data sharing must be within the bounds of consent given previously by study members and meet rigorous MRC data security standards. A data sharing agreement must be in place, prior to the sharing of any data, between the applicant’s institution and the LHA, and the applicant’s institution must fully subscribe to the terms and conditions of the agreement. Additionally, each researcher who will have access to the data must sign a confidentiality form which stipulates their individual responsibilities under the agreement and indicates their acceptance of these terms.

Commercial organisations can apply for access to LHA data and are subject to the standard LHA access procedures and assessment criteria. Like all applicants, commercial organisations must confirm that their use of the data is for bona fide research and not for commercial exploitation, and that all applicable regulatory approvals for the project are in place. They will be required to demonstrate the public benefits that are likely to flow from research use and are in line with the consent wording collected from cohort members.

Copies of the Data Access Request Form, a Confidentiality Form, and a template of Data Sharing Agreement are available on this website.