Accessing Genomic Data | Data Sharing

NIH maintains many repositories for genomic datasets. Learn what types of repositories exist, how to apply for access to restricted datasets, and the responsibilities of users who download human genomic data from NIH databases.

NIH expects users of human genomic datasets to responsibly manage and protect the privacy of the human research participants who contributed to the datasets. Users must agree to abide by the terms of NIH’s Genomic Data User Code of Conduct as well as the Data User Certification Agreement before downloading any data. Violating the terms may result in losing access to the Database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP), NIH’s central repository for human genomic data and associated phenotypic data.

Accessing Genomic Data from NIH Repositories

NIH hosts many genomic and phenotypic data repositories. Learn about these repositories and the types of datasets available.

How to Request and Access Datasets from dbGaP

Many NIH repositories with controlled-access data require that users request data through the Database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP). Get a step-by-step breakdown of the dbGaP data access request process here.

Using Genomic Data Responsibly

Controlled-access data users must protect the privacy of the human participants from whom the datasets were generated. Learn about the responsibilities that come with receiving access to human genomic data from NIH.