How can I request the data included in GMDB?

GestaltMatcher Database (GMDB) is a curated collection of medical images and clinical information from individuals with rare genetic conditions, provided as a resource for clinicians and computer scientists.

It is operated by the Association for Genome Diagnostics (AGD e.V.), a registered non-profit organization in Germany. GMDB follows the FAIR principles and aims to enhance collaboration among researchers and clinicians.

The data included in GMDB can only be used in other research projects with the approval from the Scientific Advisory Board of GMDB.

If you would like to use FAIR GMDB data for your own research, you will need:

1. A GMDB account: You can request one by writing an email to or with an invitation by an existing GMDB user.
2. A research proposal: You will need to submit this to the Scientific Advisory Board by going to My Data → My Proposals.
3. Approval: The Scientific Advisory Board will review your proposal.

GestaltMatcher has broad consent from participants and approval (ID 386/17) from the ethics committee of the Medical Faculty at the University of Bonn. The Scientific Advisory Board will also assess whether your planned project is covered by the existing ethical approval. This is especially important if you are planning to perform human subject research.

Important: Research proposals must be submitted by an independent researcher with a permanent academic position equivalent to a full professor. Master’s or PhD students should ask their supervisor who meets the criteria above to submit the proposal.

You can find examples of approved research on the Ongoing projects page.

→ See also: How do I sign up for GestaltMatcher?