Data available
The cohort profile describes the data collected as part of Genes & Health and the structure of recall-by-genotype studies.
Our user guide describes genetic and phenotype data and the Trusted Research Environment.
Wide access for a broad range of researchers is our long term aim. We encourage the best scientists in the UK and worldwide to apply to use the study for health research.
Several levels of data access are available:
1. Older exome sequencing data (5236 low/mid depth samples): summary variant and genotype counts are publically available on this website. This sequencing data is stored with the EBI-EGA long term databank (applications are managed by the Wellcome Sanger Institute Data Access Committee).
2. Genotyping data with Illumina GSAv3EAMD and TOPMED imputation is available within our Trusted Research Environment. Requires a formal application to Genes & Health.
3. Newer exome sequencing data (Twist/Broad Institute) is currently in industry consortium 9 month priority period. Academic-only users can access by application to both Genes & Health Executive, and then Industry Consortium Steering Committee. Or wait until the Priority Period is over. Data is within our Trusted Research Environment.
4. Extensive phenotype data - questionnaire, recall studies, NHS primary care, NHS secondary care, NHS Digital/England (HES etc) is within our Trusted Research Environment. Requires a formal application to Genes & Health. Access to raw NHS Digital/England data also requires a separate sublicence.
Application process
An application form can be found here.
We welcome applications from academic partners in Low & Middle Income Countries, and depending on funds available may consider a fee reduction.
Please contact genesandhealth [at] qmul [dot] ac [dot] uk if you would like to work with Genes & Health.
Priority areas
We welcome applications in all areas. Where necessary we will prioritise research studies in the following areas:
- research described in core awards funding Genes & Health
- research in three areas prioritised by our local communities: diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mental health
- other research that is i) exceptional science; and/or ii) will bring substantial resource to Genes & Health; and/or iii) of strategic importance for Genes & Health
- research that has been independently and expertly peer-reviewed to the highest standards (e.g. Wellcome, MRC, NIH)
Recall studies
These are considerably more complex, involve more volunteer time, and difficult to undertake, compared to data-access only studies.
From Sept 2023, Genes & Health will more stringently prioritise/reject recall studies based on the following criteria:
- recall with very high scientific/volunteer value
- recall for core G&H projects, e.g. MRC LPS mental health questionnaires
- recall for G&H investigators who have made a major contribution to the wider resource
We get many proposals for small low impact studies, which are unlikely to be supported.
Letters of support
We will consider writing Letters of Support for Fellowships, and other types of grant applications, that wish to use Genes & Health provided these include resource support for Genes & Health. We would also be willing to give provisional approval, but with a suspended start date (and no guarantee of starting), if required for ethics or governance purposes for a study. Please contact one of the study leads by email to discuss.
last updated 31 Aug 2023
