From the very beginning, how do I get to the point of getting into the Embassy?

Joining GeCIP

Eligible institutions

• • • Membership of GeCIP is open to any individual, student or member of staff, who is affiliated with:

      • UK academic research institutions (e.g. universities, research institutions etc.)
      • NHS trusts or authorities
      • UK and foreign charitable organisations directly related to the focus of the 100,000 Genomes Project
      • Foreign universities and research institutions that carry out significant research activity
      • UK and foreign governmental departments that carry out significant research activity (eg. MRC, NIH, PHE)
      • Foreign healthcare organisations (private or public) that undertake significant research activity
        
        

    • Membership is not open to those who are employed by:

      • Private UK healthcare institutions;
      • Commercial companies;
      • Self-employed.
      Individuals from the above excluded institutions may be eligible to apply if they are able to show that their employer supports a significant amount of independent research within their role. There may be other circumstances where an exception is appropriate
      

GeCIP domains

As a member of a GeCIP domain you will be given access to the 100,000 Genomes Project dataset. However, there are expectations of members of the GeCIP research community that go beyond data access and analysis. These include:

• • • • Contribution to the knowledge base for genome interpretation (for example via PanelApp)
      • Active and effective collaboration within your GeCIP domain and with other GeCIP domains
      • Expert assistance in genome interpretation to improve diagnostic yield for NHS Genomic Medicine Centres (GMCs)
      • Contribution to training within your domain where needed
      • Contribution to the ongoing management and administration of the GeCIP domain where requested
      • Other activities in line with the provisions of the GeCIP Rules

Applicants to a domain should note that their proposed research plans may overlap with projects that are already part of the domain’s detailed research plan. Where such overlap exists, we would expect new domain members to collaborate with those already undertaking the analysis.

Applying to domain(s)

• • • If you would like to join another domain or subdomain please contact the domain(s) or subdomain(s) lead(s) listed on our Key Contacts page to discuss your interest and how you may effectively contribute to the domain. Note that membership of domains does not govern members’ access to data – all GeCIP members can see all deidentified 100,000 Genomes Project data within the research environment. GeCIP members should only consider joining a new domain(s) if their intended research activities fit into.
      
      

Access Review Committee approval

• • • The Access Review Committee (ARC) provides an independent examination of requests for data access, with regards to the acceptable uses of the Genomics England dataset. The acceptable uses are outlined in Research Ethics Committee (REC) approved 100,000 Genomes Project Protocol and the  Data Access and Acceptable Uses Policy. The ARC will decide to approve, decline, or amend requests for access to data. External expertise may be called upon to assist the decision-making process, where appropriate.
      
      

Participation Agreement and GeCIP Rules 

• • • To promote a fair, open and co-operative environment, all GeCIP members are expected to work within the agreed terms of the Participation Agreement signed by their host institution, and abide by the terms outlined in the GeCIP Rules. Detailed information on these and other documentation related to GeCIP guidance and policies can be found on the Important Documents and Resources page.
       

Embassy structure and account issues

Information Governance training

• • • To protect patient confidentiality, access to the Genomics England Research Environment will be reviewed and granted only for specific, approved purposes in accordance with informed consent and the ethical scope of the Protocol, and any attempted use of the dataset beyond the specified purpose may lead to exclusion. To ensure that all GeCIP members understand the importance of, and can successfully work within, the principals of our IG policies, GeCIP members’ are all required to complete our simple online IG short course before they are given access to the Research Environment.