The majority of the participants in the GPC have approved data sharing through dbGaP. Some participants were ascertained and included before the creation of dbGaP, but data are available through the NIMH or through the GPC directly. The NIMH Human Genetics Initiative has an established process to enable and approve the use of samples and data from the GPC. Investigators may apply as usual to the NIMH Human Genetics Initiative. We recommend that investigators include the GPC Protocol Review Committee as they apply to NIMH. This allows us to encourage joint efforts when different investigators make the same or related proposals and better achieve scale. If participant re-contact or other type of collaborative study is planned, investigators should apply to the GPC Protocol Review Committee. This will ensure creation of a large coordinated database of genetic and phenotypic data contributed by a wide array of investigators each with particular specialties (e.g., substance abuse, neuroimmunology, functional imaging).
