As part of our commitments to community-led research, CBRC has created a process to allow researchers in community and allied researchers access to data collected through our research initiatives. Read below to learn more about our data access policy and how to request access.
What types of data does CBRC have?
CBRC collects qualitative and quantitative data through its research studies that contain rich information about 2S/LGBTQQIA+ communities across Canada. Topics range from sexual experiences to chronic health conditions and more. To see if CBRC has the type of data you need, please review the full list of available study data and documentation below. For any questions, please contact [email protected].
Qualitative Data |
Quantitative Data |
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*Dataset includes data from biological testing
Who can access CBRC data?
All researchers from, or working with, 2S/LGBTQQIA+ communities are welcome to request access to CBRC data by becoming a “Community Researcher”. Being a formal researcher (i.e., in an academic institution) is not required. Faculty members or researchers in health care institutions may be nominated to be a “Research Affiliate” by CBRC staff, CBRC Board members, or the CBRC Research Director.
How can I apply for access to CBRC data?
The steps below outline the process to prepare and submit a data access request. If you have any questions about the process, please contact [email protected].
Step 1: Reflect on the CBRC’s research principles
CBRC’s approach to data stewardship is guided by our research principles, which you can read more about here. In addition to ethical considerations of privacy and confidentiality, potential projects will be assessed for alignment with these principles before approval. If you have any questions about CBRC’s research principles, please contact [email protected].
Step 2: Submit a concept sheet and appropriate researcher agreement
The CBRC Concept Sheet is a tool that asks you key questions about your proposed qualitative or quantitative analysis, including
- Who are your collaborators?
- What is your research question?
- Who is included or excluded from your work?
- How will community members and lived experience be represented in your work?
You can find a downloadable version of the quantitative concept sheet here, and the qualitative concept sheet here. For more guidance in what we're looking for, you can find a hypothetical project and explanation in the quantitative concept sheet guide and qualitative concept sheet guide. The research team will review the submitted concept sheet for its feasibility, alignment with our research principles, and to avoid replicating any ongoing/previous projects. For any questions or guidance in completing the concept sheet, please contact [email protected].
Along with the concept sheet, researchers will be asked to affirm over email that they have read our research principles. Relevant documentation, such as a letter of intent or CV, will be needed to support this.
Step 3: Revise the concept sheet according to feedback
The research team may respond to your proposed project with revisions. After working with us to incorporate them, you may resubmit your concept sheet.
Step 4: Sign a research agreement
Depending on the nature of your work and affiliation, you may apply to be a “Community Researcher”. This designation is helpful for us to set expectations for the relationship between you, your collaborators, and CBRC during the course of the project and the terms which you agree to when using CBRC data.
After finalizing your concept sheet with the research team, you will be asked to review and sign a research agreement. The related agreement types are available for review beforehand and any questions may be directed to [email protected]. You can find a downloadable version of the research agreement here. Upon submission of the agreement, you will be given secure access to the data required.
Step 5: Complete your analysis
You or the research team will analyze the data to answer your research question(s). If you are requesting for CBRC to complete the analysis, there may be fees associated depending on the size of the request. The research team will be available to answer any questions you may have during this time or to connect you with relevant Research Affiliates. If you complete the analysis yourself, you will be asked to share the initial findings with CBRC.
Step 6: Share your results
We encourage you to share the findings of your analysis in a non-academic or academic publication or presentation. We especially encourage you to consider submitting and presenting your work as part of CBRC’s annual Summit. As per the research agreement, the relevant investigators, leads, and analysts (if applicable) of the study should be invited to act as a co-author. Potential co-authors should be given enough time to review and approve drafts (2 weeks at minimum for a report/manuscript) before publication. After approval, please share a copy of your final results, publication or presentation so we can keep it for our records, and potentially share it with CBRC’s networks.