Data Repositories
Q. How do I select a data repository?
A. NIH provides general guidance on selecting a data repository. NHLBI applicants should review their Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) carefully, as some may indicate data deposition into a specific repository. If NOFOs do not stipulate a specific repository, NHLBI strongly encourages depositing human data into NHLBI’s BioData Catalyst (BDC).
For other data types, NHLBI encourages depositing scientific data in the most appropriate repository for the type of data generated. Existing domain-specific repositories (e.g., Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), National Sleep Research Resource (NSRR), and other NIH-supported repositories) may be suitable choices.
If you are unsure which repository to select for your data, please contact your Program Official(s), Contracting Officer, Scientific Program Director, or Protocol Navigator for guidance.
Q. What is human data, and what repositories are recommended for sharing human data that need access controls?
A. Human data are derived from human research participants, which the NIH defines in the Definition of Human Subjects Research. If a dataset contains both human and non-human data, it is considered human data. NHLBI strongly encourages using BDC for human data that require controlled access. For more information on when access controls may be warranted, see Designating Data for Controlled Access.
Q. What if my data include identifiable data, such as patient names, addresses, dates of birth, etc.?
A. Please follow the NIH Principles and Best Practices for Protecting Participant Privacy. If more guidance is needed, please contact your Program Official(s), Contracting Officer, Scientific Program Director, or Protocol Navigator.
Q. Can I use a generalist repository?
A. If BDC or another repository is not required by the NOFO or the data are not associated with an NHLBI Strategic Biomedical Data Asset (e.g., longitudinal cohort studies), a generalist repository may be appropriate for data lacking a suitable domain-specific repository. Please consult NIH guidance on generalist repositories and the generalist repository comparison chart. If more guidance is needed, please contact your Program Official(s), Contracting Officer, Scientific Program Director, or Protocol Navigator.
Q. What is a globally unique and persistent identifier, and why should I use one?
A globally unique and persistent identifier must be globally unique, meaning it cannot be reused or reassigned without referring to your data, and persistent, meaning the link may not become invalid over time. Datasets are assigned a citable, unique persistent identifier, such as a digital object identifier (DOI) or accession number, to support data discovery, reporting, and research assessment. The identifier points to a persistent landing page that remains accessible even if the dataset is de-accessioned or no longer available.
Q. How do I obtain a globally unique and persistent identifier, such as a Digital Object Identifier (DOI), for my data?
A. NHLBI strongly encourages using a Digital Object Identifier (DOI), which has become a standard globally unique persistent identifier. Many data repositories already use a registry service to generate a DOI automatically. For example, BDC and FigShare generate a DOI through the DataCite registration agency. If your repository does not create a DOI for you, you can use a registration agency to create one (see this link for such agencies). If you wish to use a globally unique and persistent identifier other than a DOI, please provide strong justification for doing so in your Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Plan.
Q. What is the master index, and how can I share my globally unique persistent identifier within it?
A. The NHLBI has a master index that uses DOIs to create a comprehensive list of all data generated from NHLBI support, published or not, and where it resides. The intent is to enable findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability (FAIR) data-sharing principles. The DOIs generated as part of NHLBI requirements help support the population of this master index, which is a resource available to the research community to search and browse through NHLBI-supported datasets. Submitting data through BDC or NIH-supported generalist repositories will automatically add your DOI to the master index. If you submit data to a non-NIH repository, please contact your Program Official(s), Contracting Officer, Scientific Program Director, or Protocol Navigator to add your DOI to the master index manually.
Q. How do I prepare and submit data to BDC?
A. Visit the Instructions for Preparing Clinical Research Study Datasets for Submission to the NHLBI webpage for information about the preparation of datasets and associated documentation and visit the Instructions for Data Submission to BDC for information about the steps for submitting data and making it available through BDC.