Can UK Biobank data be used for training purposes?

Overall, we endorse the use of UK Biobank data for training purposes in how to appropriately analyse large and complex data for the purposes of performing health-related research. However, such approval (that can be granted by the UKB PI or delegate) is subject to the same access criteria (as set out in the Access Procedures and the MTA) as any other application to UK Biobank.

In this context this means that:

• The training is focused on providing students with the skills needed to undertake health-related research that is in the public interest.
• Actual health-related research must be undertaken as part of the training course (a summary of which will need to be set out in the application), with the research outputs made available in the public domain.
• Use of the UK Biobank resource for training purposes is subject to a new data application (i.e. it should be its own project). This means that an existing project cannot be used for training ‘on the side’ via a scope extensions or amendments to current active projects.
• The application should include details of the course: course organiser, host institution, the type of training to be provided and the research to be undertaken (i.e. what the students will be asked to do), number of students, and specific time of the course module.
• The dataset is to be accessed only within the UKB-RAP.
• The course leader is responsible for all persons accessing the data to ensure compliance. Further, all individuals (students) accessing the individual-level data must be approved registrants with UKB and added to the project as named researchers. Additional fees may apply when adding large numbers of students to a project or researchers from multiple institutes.

UK Biobank data cannot be used for training purposes where there is no research output made available in the public domain or where the output is not health-related research.

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