Reuse of Pseudonymized Research Data

The reuse of existing research data is being stimulated by research institutions and funders. However, when the data still contain personally identifiable information, it is not allowed to publish the data openly. Extra measures must be taken to protect the data and the rights and freedoms of the data subjects. This guidance document will help you take the appropriate steps that need to be taken before you can reuse the research data of a different organization.

This guidance focuses on the transfer of pseudonymized data from an organization to the University of Groningen. In this scenario, researchers of the University of Groningen set up the research, so they are not doing the research on behalf of the other organization. There cannot be any existing agreements between the parties involved in the data transfer (e.g. Consortium agreement). And finally, the data are not shared under a different license and are not public.  

The scenario contains a workflow with tips and tricks that can support researchers in setting up a study with existing pseudonymized data from a different organization and in making agreements with this organization. In addition, it also explains which support staff can help and at which point in time.