Access to Collections of Data and Materials for Health Research

This report was commissioned by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Wellcome Trust to review various issues surrounding research access to population-based collections of data and materials in the UK, principally collections that the two organisations fund or have some responsibility for.

The report addresses issues including consent and confidentiality concerns, scientific concerns, proprietary concerns, issues of decision authority and oversight, and some practical considerations.

It was written by William W Lowrance, an independent consultant in health policy and ethics. The views and opinions expressed are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the MRC or the Wellcome Trust.

Download the full report [PDF 1.4MB].