Import
When working with Lifelines you might want to import additional data, sample results, scripts or other documents to your Lifelines research environment project. Here we provide you with an overview of all import options and their requirements.
Process
As a researcher you can ask one of the Lifelines Data Managers to import files you need for your Lifelines project. If you want to import data to answer a new research question (not defined in your approved research proposal), please note that you have to complete our amendment form. Once this amendment form has been evaluated, further details will be agreed upon. For more information, please have a look at the following page: Changes during your Lifelines project.
Lifelines defines five different types of import requests:
Importing scripts or documentation
When you have access to the Lifelines Workspace, you cannot do this yourself, while users of the Lifelines UMCG HPC environment can do their own imports. In your email to Lifelines Data Management please attach the documents, specify what you want to import and your Lifelines project code.
Importing sample results
Please contact Lifelines Data Management to import your biosample results. We require a completed Form Description of Instruments (FDI) at this stage of your sample project. For more information see Getting started with your biosample project.
Importing data files
When you want to import data files (e.g. environmental data you can link yourself or data that you have required from an external database), please inform Lifelines and provide the information listed below. Note: if you are a Lifelines UMCG HPC user, please also notify Lifelines Data Management before you import data.
- Type of data to be imported
- Whether your dataset contains (sensitive) personal data (GDPR applies)
- Whether the data holds a right of ownership/copyright and if so, if you have permission to use it
- Why you want to import this data (link to your research project)
- Your Lifelines project code
Importing data files to be linked to your Lifelines data
When you want to import data, which Lifelines has to link to your Lifelines data (e.g. using X/Y coordinates, postal code 6, home address). This is a special procedure, which requires you to fill out the Lifelines amendment form (see Changes during your Lifelines project).
Sharing data between Lifelines projects
When you want to import a data file from another Lifelines project, you do not have the permissions to do this yourself. Additionally, before the file can be transferred the pseudonyms from one project have to be altered to match those of the other project. In your email to Lifelines Data Management please specify the following:
- Location from which the file should be retrieved, including project code
- Location where the files should be placed, including project code
- Why this file should be transferred
- Confirmation from the principal investigator of the project providing the file
