The UK Biobank Research Analysis Platform (UKB-RAP) provides tools for analysing the world’s most comprehensive biomedical dataset. With its secure, cloud-based environment, you can access integrated data and upload your own custom tools to your secure, private workspace to conduct innovative research more efficiently.
We are committed to ensuring accessibility for health-related research in the public interest. As we transition to a “RAP-by-default” approach, we understand that some researchers may face challenges, such as:
- Needing tools or specialised software not yet integrated with the UKB-RAP;
- Experiencing prohibitive costs for certain cloud-based analyses; and/or
- Needing substantive compute power (GPUs) that is beyond the current capacity of the UKB-RAP.
To address these issues, the UK Biobank Access Committee will review exemption requests for limited, temporary download access to specific data fields.
Exemption Criteria
The Access Committee evaluates each exemption request based on the following:
- Minimal Data Use: Justification for why specific data are essential outside the UKB-RAP, for example raw data (e.g. DICOM images or other additional data).
- Project Participants: Identification of all researchers and collaborators accessing individual-level data.
- Data Security:
- Adherence to the UK Biobank Material Transfer Agreement (MTA).
- Evidence of your organisation's information security policy, and agreement to report any data or security breaches involving UK Biobank data.
- Costs: Assessment of whether a research project is eligible for funded credits as part of the UKB-RAP Transition Credit Programme 2025
How to Apply for an Exemption
Submit your request via our online form: https://forms.office.com/e/fHfFDZBYLH.
Review Process
Applications will be reviewed and then assessed by the UK Biobank Access Committee. The Committee meet quarterly, and the next meeting is January 2025.
Decisions will be communicated before the next data update. Researchers will be informed whether:
- An exemption is granted; or
- Your project can transition to the UKB-RAP without an exemption.
We are here to support you throughout this process. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
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