How do I apply for an account at FHS?
An investigator may request an account through the Research Application link. Upon approval, a password will be emailed to the applicant.

How do I submit a research proposal?
Applications are submitted through Framingham's website. Once received in the system the system, applications are referred to the appropriate review committee(s).

Do I have to collaborate with a Framingham investigator?
Though not required, collaboration with FHS investigators is encouraged as it helps to maximize the scientific potential of the unique data.

What is the deadline for my application?
Application submissions should be made according to the following schedule:

For review by:	Application should be received by:
Executive Committee	Six weeks before grant deadlines
Laboratory Committee	March 1, June 1, September 1, December 1
DNA Committee	January 15, April 15, July 15, October 15
Research Committee	Any time (rolling review)

How do I request genetic data?
Most of Framingham's genetic data is stored and accessible through dbGaP. Requests for Framingham genetic data not posted at dbGaP may be made by submitting a research proposal to Framingham's DNA Committee.

How do I request clinical data?
Much of Framingham's clinical data is stored and accessible through BioLINCC. Requests for Framingham clinical data not posted at BioLINCC may be made by submitting a research proposal to Framingham's Research Committee.

How do I request bio-specimens for genetic research?
Requests for Framingham DNA or other bio-specimens specifically for genetic research may be made by submitting a research proposal to Framingham's DNA Committee.

How do I request bio-specimens for non- genetic research?
Requests for Framingham bio-specimens specifically for non-genetic research may be made by submitting a research proposal to Framingham's Laboratory Committee.

How do I request participant contact?
Requests for participant contact may be made by submitting a research proposal to Framingham's Executive Committee.

What are some of the key review considerations of an application?
Does the proposal complement Framingham's research scope?
     Is collaboration with a Framingham investigator planned?
     Does the proposal require the unique characteristics of the FHS cohort(s)?
     Does the proposal put minimal demand on FHS resources?
     Does the proposal show proof of resources for conducting the project?

Which committee(s) will review my application?

Proposals Involving:	Will be reviewed by:
Application to a Sponsor for new funding	Executive Committee
New Participant Contact	Executive Committee
Third Party Involvement	Executive Committee
Genetic Research Requesting
New DNA Specimens with data	DNA Committee
Use of Extant DNA Specimens* with data *DNA already in possession by the PI	DNA Committee
Genetic data (not available at dbGaP)	DNA Committee
Biological specimens with data (other than DNA)	DNA and Executive Committee
Research (not gene-based) Requesting
Previously collected clinical data	Research Committee
Pedigree structure	Research Committee
Biological specimens with data	Lab and Executive Committee
Exam chart review	Research Committee
Scan image data	Research Committee

How do I find out my application status?
Applicants may check the status of submitted applications online using the application ID number and selecting "View Application History." Notification letters of review committee(s) decision(s) are also sent by e-mail.

When do the committees review my proposal?
Research Committee review is on a rolling review; Executive Committee meets monthly (usually on the 3rd Tuesday) Laboratory Committee meets quarterly; about 3 weeks after the submission deadline DNA Committee meets quarterly; about 3 weeks after the submission deadline

What is an Addendum Application?
The Addendum Application allows investigators to extend the scientific aims of a previously approved application. An addendum application may request to add elements to a previously approved application or to follow up on the original application's resultant data through additional analyses, assays or subjects.

What is an Expedited DNA Application?
The Expedited DNA Application is available for rapid turn-around to follow-up on genetic results, such as genome-wide association study (GWAS) results and may be submitted at any time. Permission will only be granted if the preliminary data for follow-up has reached genome-wide significance.

What is a Distribution Agreement?
The Framingham Data and Materials Distribution Agreement (DMDA) is a material transfer agreement. The investigator initiated agreement is required of all approved data and/or material distributions.

Do I need IRB Approval?
Investigator IRB approval is required of all approved data and/or material distributions along with the DMDA. Although Framingham data is de-identified, FHS is a study of a single community and hence one's identify can be more easily ascertained, even if traditional identifiers are removed.

What is a Third Party Agreement?
Proposals involving industry sponsorship, in kind services or collaboration with an investigator with industry ties will be evaluated in accordance with the procedures described at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/funding/policies/thirdparty.htm It will be the responsibility of the Principal Investigator to initiate the agreement through an appropriate contractual mechanism.

What is the Publication Policy?
All publications based on data from the Framingham Heart Study must have an acknowledgement of the Framingham Heart Study. All manuscripts and abstracts based on Framingham Heart Study data must be sent via e-mail to Ann Walsh, at walshac@nhlbi.nih.gov prior to submission for publication.

Is there a Help Desk?
Please call Heather Arruda at 617-414-1244 or email harruda@bu.edu with questions regarding the Framingham Research Application.