The Pitt ACE / REAACT program takes many steps to protect your privacy.
The data we collect from research study participants are secure and private. When you participate in our studies, we create a numeric code for just you that is used to identify your data. We use this number on your data instead of your name, address, date of birth, or other information that could identify you.
Some studies have requirements to share data with the funder. We have specific details on data sharing on each study page. We only share data with established research registries or with qualified scientists who request it directly from us.
We never share personal information that could identify you with the government or funders. This means that no one can track specific data back to you.
- What is Open Science?
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Pitt ACE / REAACT program participates in open science.
Open science is a movement where scientists share data with funders and other scientists. This allows scientists to work together, check each other’s work, and share new knowledge broadly. Open science teamwork can lead to faster progress, more access to knowledge, and improves the accountability and trustworthiness of research.
It is important to note that open science does not mean personal privacy is not of utmost importance. We have many procedures in place to make sure that your data is private, secure, and cannot identify you as an individual.
- How personal codes work (GUIDs)
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The GUID, or Global Unique Identifier, is a code we use to identify research participants without personally identifiable information attached, allowing you to remain anonymous.
Research study investigators must remove identifying information before submitting any data to the NIMH data archive, and GUIDs are the required way to do this. This system is used by everyone submitting to the NIMH archive, and this allows authorized researchers to match shared data from that participant, regardless of source or life changes, while keeping you anonymous.
If you would like to learn more about how the GUID is created and what it is used for, please ask study staff or visit this webpage: Using the NDA GUID - NDA.
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Join a Study
To find out more about current and previous studies, see our Study Page