How do I retain control over my data and control over who uses it?

The data sharing agreement and vetting rules establish the conditions under which researchers can access and publish results from the data provided. SEAL is responsible for ensuring that these agreements are honoured, addressing any areas that are unclear, and ensuring that both data holders and researchers know the nature of their commitments. 

SEAL works with a wide variety of data owners and is committed to building agreements that meet each owner's needs. For some owners, that means having SEAL do all of the data cleaning and the screening of researchers to allow access and vet results. Others do their own data cleaning, or wish to consider proposals for access to the data, review work products before allowing publication, or otherwise manage their data.

Rarely does a conflict emerge between a researcher's academic freedom and a data owner's interests. Owners tend to want their data fully explored, and researchers to respect the rights of the owners. If a disagreement about the data sharing conditions emerges, SEAL works to mediate a solution that all sides can be satisfied with and update the agreements to reflect that. If agreement isn't possible, the data owner's wishes hold sway.