Process for requesting access to the FinnGen sandbox environment

Sandbox is a computational environment where FinnGen associated researchers can process FinnGen data. Sandbox libraries contain both personal data (red) and aggregate data (green).  The FinnGen personal data must be kept within sandbox and its transfer is restricted by both technical restrictions and binding legal agreements.

The sandbox is in Google Cloud and the data processing and storing produce costs. FinnGen handles small costs related to sandbox usage but large scale computing requires that the partner organization covers its own costs. Most common bioinformatics tools are available in sandbox and the tools and libraries can be updated by partner’s request.

Please follow these steps to get the access: 

  1. The applicant fills in the electronic form for application for access to aggregated (green) or personal (red) data.
  2. Finngen administrator will contact the applicant about the use of the finngen account and Sandbox access by e-mail.
  3. Signature of the Findata Confidential disclosure agreement for Findata authority.
    • In case the applicant has applied for red data access, the above mentioned message will contain the Findata Confidential disclosure agreement for the applicant to be signed and returned to Risto Kajanne by email. The signed Findata agreement will be forwarded to the Findata authority for approval.
  4. Sandbox user identification agreement
    • In case the applicant has applied for red data access, the above mentioned message will also contain the Sandbox user identification agreement, which is to be signed by an authorized representative of the FinnGen partner organization, usually applicant´s supervisor.

After fulfilling all requirements (Findata Confidential disclosure agreement signed and approved by Findata, Sandbox user identification agreement signed by applicant´s supervisor), the access to the dedicated Sandbox will be granted.

Please note that aggregate data produced by sandbox user can be requested for download. These files are checked by FinnGen personnel and if approved, data is released for the user. In all download requests the applicant must state how many individuals were used to generate the summary data (Minimum number that can be accepted is 5).

For any questions, please contact finngen-servicedesk@helsinki.fi.