Most of Understanding Society’s data can be accessed via the UK Data Service, however for the omics data, there are two different options below.
Omics data – on its own
Researchers who ONLY wish to access the genome-wide scan data and/or epigenetic data should apply directly to the European Genome-phenome Archive. These applications will be considered by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute’s Data Access Committee.
Omics data combined with Understanding Society survey data
Researchers who wish to combine genetic or epigenetic (omics) information with survey data from the main Understanding Society survey need to apply to Understanding Society for these data.
When combining genetic or epigenetic data with survey data, it is only possible to use variables that are in the EUL version of the survey data. However, if it is possible to derive an EUL version of a special licence variable, such derived variables can be combined with genetics and epigenetics data, subject to disclosure considerations.
If this is essential to your project, you should discuss the feasibility of your plans with the Understanding Society team in advance of your application.
The application process
Before you apply for the omics data, please read the Understanding Society Data Access Strategy and check the country data restrictions.
European Union
United Kingdom
Norway
Liechtenstein
Iceland
Omics data combined with Understanding Society are only available to researchers based in the UK, European Union, Norway, Liechtenstein or Iceland. Researchers accessing data from outside these countries can also apply if their country of access is deemed by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to have a full adequate level of data protection (see “Question 1” for the full list).
Applications forms
New users and new projects
If you have never applied for this data before, or are starting a new project, please use this omics application form.
Please also include a Variable request form with your application.
Approved users and approved projects
If you have applied for this data before, please use this amendment form. This form is to amend an approved application.
Please also include a Variable request form with your application.
To submit these forms please register with the Understanding Society OMICS application portal using your institutional email address. Then create a ‘new issue’ to deposit your completed forms. Please always use the portal for queries about your application so we can keep all relevant communications together and more effectively process your application.
Form guidance and timeline
- Please complete all fields in the application forms
- Understanding Society will aim to get back to you in 30 days
- If your proposed project is incomplete, we will contact you for further information
- If your application is approved, you will be notified by email
- Your data is then prepared within 30 days of your application being approved
- Complicated datasets may take more time than this, we will let you know if this is the case.
- Your dataset will be sent to you via a secure data transfer service.
- Please notify us of incidental findings and share code for derived variables
- It is important to share your publications with a link to relevant web pages and the data also needs to be destroyed data at the end of the project.
Future blood samples – Understanding Society has stored frozen DNA, plasma, serum and whole blood samples for future analysis by the research community. These samples are overseen by a tissue bank. If you are interested in analysing them, please contact Professor Meena Kumari to discuss your ideas.