representing the various aspects of COGA's research, approves and monitors these proposals. This mechanism is consistent with protocols established by many multi‐site consortia that collect sensitive and complex data types. Assigning a COGA sponsor also ensures that the external investigator receives the required data/analysis in a timely manner. COGA data have also contributed to the development of novel methods for genetic analyses of family data, via data sharing (e.g., Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, Genetic Analysis Workshops). To date, 181 scientists have collaborated with COGA investigators, 349 researchers have used COGA data through dbGaP, and 30 investigators have requested COGA data through NIAAA directly—for a total of 560 external scientists using COGA data in their work.
