Data Use Agreements

What is a DUA?

A Data Use Agreement (DUA) may be required when working on a sponsored research project. A DUA is a contractual agreement to transfer non-public data or data that is subject to restrictions on its use. A DUA identifies those restrictions and establishes who is permitted to receive and use the data.

Many research projects funded by sponsors require that the project data be made available to the public. DUAs include:

• data sharing agreements;
• data license agreements;
• access agreements;
• business Associate Agreements (BAA).

Because these agreements are not directly related to funding, we refer to them as "unfunded agreements" or UFAs. 

I am told I need a Data Use Agreement. Where should I start?

If you are working on a project that requires a DUA, first work with the primary research administrator of your unit.

Then, when ready, route your DUA to ORSP using the eResearch Proposal Management (eRPM or eResearch) system for UFAs.

How do I use eRPM for this?

Here are some quick links to eRPM Job Aids to help you. Contact your project representative (PR) for additional questions.

• Create an UFA for your DUA
• PI Sign UFA

Other guidance for sharing data on a sponsored research project

ORSP supports U-M investigators and research administrators with questions about data sharing. ORSP DUA specialists can provide guidance in:

• drafting data sharing plans;
• DUAs;
• data management plans (particularly for data consortia in which U-M is a member or a coordinating center). 

Incoming, Outgoing or Both?

It is helpful to clarify if the data that needs to be shared is incoming to U-M or outgoing to an outside entity.

Additional activities supported by ORSP

The ORSP Data Research specialists can assist faculty, units and U-M administrators with:

• monitoring current trends in technology usage, e.g., uses of cloud computing for research data;
• monitoring federal and state regulatory and policy changes affecting research data sharing;
• review and advising about data sharing considerations in IRB applications;
• cross-unit data sharing policies, procedures, and agreements;
• educating about data sharing;
• promoting best practices for data sharing, and
• transfer of data that is non-public or is otherwise subject to restrictions on its use.

 Again, to begin, forward your DUA to ORSP for processing via eRPM's UFA system.