Access Application Process

The A3BC is committed to enabling high‑quality, ethical and collaborative research while protecting the rights, privacy and expectations of participants.

All applications to access A3BC data and/or biological samples are reviewed through a national, transparent access process, overseen by the A3BC Access Committee and supported by the Consortium Committee.

Who can apply?

Researchers from:

  • Universities and medical research institutes
  • Health services
  • Government and not‑for‑profit organisations
  • Industry (where aligned with A3BC aims and ethical standards)

All applicants, including A3BC investigators, follow the same access process.

Overview of the access process

Access to A3BC data and/or samples occurs in four main stages, as outlined in the A3BC Access Policy.

1. Researcher registration

Researchers must first register with the A3BC to verify their identity, institutional affiliation and research track record.
Once approved, the researcher is issued an A3BC Approved Researcher ID, which is required for all subsequent applications.

2. Preliminary application (Expression of Interest)

Before seeking ethics approval, applicants submit a Preliminary Application / Expression of Interest (EOI) outlining:

  • The scientific rationale and aims of the project
  • The type and volume of data and/or samples requested
  • Whether participant re‑contact is proposed
  • Feasibility, funding and any potential ethical considerations

The A3BC Consortium Committee reviews the EOI to assess scientific merit, feasibility, alignment with A3BC objectives, and sustainability of the resource.
Applicants are advised whether to:

  • Proceed to ethics submission
  • Revise their proposal
  • Or not proceed (with reasons provided)

3. Full application (post‑HREC approval)

Once Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) approval is obtained, applicants submit a detailed Post‑HREC Access Application to the A3BC Access Committee, including:

  • HREC approval documentation
  • Full scientific protocol
  • Justification of requested data and/or samples
  • Evidence that requested use aligns with participant consent

The Access Committee assesses each application against defined criteria, including:

  • Scientific quality and value
  • Ethical and governance compliance
  • Participant consent and privacy protection
  • Appropriate and efficient use of A3BC resources

Independent scientific review may be sought where required.

4. Agreements and release

Approved projects must:

  • Execute a Material and/or Data Transfer Agreement (MTA)
  • Meet cost‑recovery requirements (where applicable)

Only after these steps are completed are data and/or samples released through secure, approved mechanisms.

Participant re‑contact and non‑routine requests

Some projects may require:

  • Re‑contacting participants
  • Additional samples
  • Non‑standard data collections

These requests receive additional review to ensure they:

  • Are consistent with participant consent
  • Are ethically approved
  • Minimise participant burden

Importantly, A3BC never provides participant contact details directly to researchers. Any approved re‑contact is mediated by the A3BC.

Access Policy

Applications are governed by the A3BC Access Policy, which outlines:

  • Access principles and eligibility
  • Review and decision‑making processes
  • Cost‑recovery arrangements
  • Data and sample custodianship
  • Publication, authorship and intellectual property considerations

▶︎ Read the A3BC Access Policy (PDF)

Interested in applying?

If you are considering an application or would like to discuss feasibility before submitting an Expression of Interest, please contact contact us. Early discussion is encouraged and often helps streamline the process.