Users requesting access to controlled data are required to have an eRA Commons account. While most dataset access within the Kids First Portal is granted through dbGaP, there are some datasets whose access is reviewed and granted through consortia Data Access Committees (DACs).

Specific access management information is listed amongst the release notes and other general abstract information for each dataset. Our complete list of datasets can be found on the Studies and Access Page.

Studies and Access

The three-tier system of data access types within the Kids First DRC. Some data is considered open access and available to any visitor to the website. Other data is restricted to registered users on the platform. The most stringent level is controlled access which requires approval by a Data Access Committee.

Once you have applied for access to the Controlled Data and approval has been given, you need to connect your eRA Commons ID to the Kids First Portal in order to gain access to your files. This is managed by Gen3, a software tool that manages access between files in the Kids First database with our users.

This is a bit like having to show your ID at the airport - you have the necessary documents, but the security worker at the desk still needs to see them. Thankfully, once you are connected in our system, you shouldn't have to repeat the process if you subsequently gain dbGaP access to additional datasets in the future.

For a step by step on how to do this and other information about Data Access, see the directions below.

Connecting to Gen3

1. After logging in to the Portal, you will see your name in the upper right-hand corner.
2. In the drop down, choose “Settings.”
3. On that page will be a table with “Data Repository Integrations” – make sure each of these are listed as Connected. You will need to log in with your eRA credentials to activate them.
4. If everything is set up correctly, your page should look like the screenshot to the right.

Fully-connected data repository integrations.

You should now be able to view the files for which you were granted dbGaP access! If you wish to analyze them in the cloud or run a bulk download to a local system, you should also connect your account to Cavatica as well.

Connecting to Cavatica

CAVATICA is a cloud-based data analysis and sharing platform that allows users to analyze data from Kids First along with their own files. Cavatica also allows you to bulk download files to a local system or remote server.

In order to analyze Kids First data on CAVATICA, you will need to link your CAVATICA account & an API token with your Portal profile.

1. After logging in to the Portal, you will see your name in the upper right-hand corner.
2. In the drop down, choose “Settings.”
3. On that page will be a table with “Application Integrations.” Click "Connect" to begin connecting your Kids First Portal account to Cavatica. A window with more directions will open.
4. If you don't already have a Cavatica account, you will need to register for one (linked here).
5. After logged in to your account, you will need to retrieve your authentication token from the Cavatica Developer Dashboard (linked here). From the Dashboard, click on the "Auth Token" tab.
6. Click on "Generate Token." Copy and paste this in the window on Kids First and click "Connect" in the bottom right of the window.
7. If everything is set up correctly, your page should look like the screenshot below.

Fully-connected Cavatica Integration.