Data is defined to include all recorded information (in any medium), and all actual samples or examples, that were created or gathered as part of the research. The creation and use of data is a fundamental component of many research investigations. Data access and use is guided by both campus policy and external policies and guidelines. The UMass Amherst policy on Data Ownership, Retention, and Access at UMass Amherst applies to all campus research and researchers, regardless of funding source, if any. For sponsored research, any relevant policies of the sponsor apply in addition to campus policies. Departments and Colleges do not have the authority to obligate the university to the provisions within these agreement. All data agreements my be reviewed by the Office of Research Compliance for human subject protection, information risk, foreign engagements, and contract language.
DUA/DTA forms:
In many cases, the entity providing the data will have it's own form. If not, the UMass Amherst encourages the use of one of the Federal Demonstration Partnership's (FDP) Data Transfer and Use Agreements.
Submitting the form for review:
Data agreements are submitted through the Data Use or Access Agreement Form. Please do so PRIOR to signing, including that of the submitter and the data source.
Note: There is an estimated minimum two-week turnaround from submission to signature. All reviews and agreements requiring negotiations with other institutions or agencies can take significantly longer.
Review and signature:
All Data Use or Access Agreements are reviewed by Research Compliance under one or more of the following categories: human subjects research, information risk, foreign engagement, and contract language. One or more of these may result in clarification requests, related actions requested of the submitter and/or contract language negotiations with the data source. Any apparent conflicts of policies need to be resolved in writing and approved prior to acceptance of a contract or binding agreement.
Once terms are acceptable to the university, the Office of Research Compliance will obtain a signature from Laura Vandenberg, Associate Vice Chancellor and Vice Provost, Office of Research & Engagement and/additional university signatures as requested in the agreement. The submitter will receive a copy with these signatures in place. They may also be asked to obtain the signature from the data source and return a copy of the fully executed agreement to Research Compliance.
Questions?
Please contact Melinda LeLacheur, Research Compliance Program Coordinator, at @email.