Access Data

Qualified researchers can request access to data stored in FITBIR. To gain access to shared data, an investigator must obtain data access privileges.

The following criteria must be met in order to obtain access to FITBIR data:

• Projects must be specified for research purposes only (not commercial) with the intention to enhance knowledge for the benefit of human health.
• Individuals requesting access must have a medical or scientific degree or position relevant for the request.
• Individuals must be affiliated with a research, industry, or non-profit institution/business/organization.
• All data access requests must be signed by an individual legally authorized to sign on behalf of the institution/business/organization.

Access may be denied or revoked if:

• The individual or affiliation cannot be confirmed.
• The request comes from a country or organization that is considered hostile or a security threat.
• There is reason to believe that the requester is not, or will not, adhere to the policy document.

In order to obtain Privileges you must do the following:

1. Complete the Data Access Request (includes Data Use Certification). This must be signed by the PI and Authorized Representative.
2. Scan and save the signed Data Access Request (PDF) document.
3. Click the Log In button on the FITBIR homepage.
4. Click Log In with RAS button to access FITBIR via the Researcher Auth Service for Single Sign-On. If you do not have an NIH PIV, VA PIV, or DoD CAC, you will first need to create a Login.gov account. Follow the prompts to complete the setup. For detailed guidance, refer to the instructions provided here.
5. Click Create Account button.
6. Select Data Access Request from the File Type from the drop down. Browse for the signed PDF version of the Data Use Certification (part of the Data Access Request Document).
7. Click the Upload button, then Continue.
8. Complete your profile. Fill in the required fields. For Account Privileges, select "Data Accessor".
9. Click Submit Request.
10. Enter your e-signature, and click Submit Request.

Once completed, the request package is then sent for approval to the Data Access and Quality Committee (DAC) established to oversee access to the FITBIR shared data. It takes approximately 10 business days for the DAC to issue approval for requests. When the investigator's request is approved, the investigator is notified by e-mail and explained the conditions under which the approval is granted.

Approvals for access to FITBIR and its tools are granted for one year. In order to apply for account renewal to submit data, users are required to update and submit the data submission request and biographical sketch. Users that would like to renew access to the query tool are required to update and submit the data access agreement and biographical sketch.

If the investigator publishes any new results based on analysis using FITBIR data and tools, he/she is required to acknowledge both the original author/submitter of the data and FITBIR. Investigators who access data are also strongly encouraged to collaborate on data analysis and publications with the PIs who collected the data.