NSHD Data Sharing
The LHA is committed to the core principles
of the MRC with regard to
data sharing. The LHA actively encourages the sharing of NSHD
data with bona fide scientists for high quality research projects,
to ensure that the scientific potential of the NSHD is maximised.
Data sharing must be within the bounds of consent given previously
by study members and meet rigorous MRC data security standards.
All proposals to use NSHD data must support and adhere to the
core principles of data sharing with the MRC, namely:
- Ethical: The privacy of
individuals and the dignity of communities must be protected, while
simultaneously respecting the imperative to improve public health
through the most productive use of data.
- Equitable: All proposals
should recognise and balance the needs of researchers who generate
and use data, other analysts who may want to reuse those data, and
communities and funders who expect health benefits to arise from
research.
- Efficient: Approaches
should be proportionate and build on existing practice and reduce
unnecessary duplication and competition.
Researchers wishing to undertake a research
project using NSHD data should contact swiftinfo@nshd.mrc.ac.uk in
the first instance briefly outlining their research
interests and requesting an application form and the guidance
notes for scientists. Data sharing is dependent on the project
being approved by the NSHD data sharing committee, a data sharing
agreement being in place between the MRC and the academic
institution that employs the researcher, and LHA resources being
available to meet the requests for data sharing.