Can I use the data included in GestaltMatcher Database for my own research?

It is possible to use the data included in GestaltMatcher Database (GMDB) for your own research projects, but there is a defined approval process to ensure data privacy and compliance with ethical standards.

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.

GestaltMatcher has broad consent from participants and approval by the ethics committee of the University of Bonn (ID 386/17). If you wish to use GMDB data for your own research, you must submit a research proposal to the GMDB Scientific Advisory Board. The Scientific Advisory Board will assess your proposal and check 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.

→ See also: How can I request the data included in GMDB?