International data sharing: Material Transfer Agreements and Data Transfer Agreements

Making data available to others is a way for encouraging connection and collaboration between researchers, which can result in relevant new scientific findings. Thus, data sharing allows researchers to share information and resources with other scholars. 

Such sharing can occur at the local or national level or within the EU or, more broadly, at the international level, i.e., beyond the European borders if taking the European perspective. 

International data-sharing needs a solid data protection law framework. In Europe the legal framework for allowing international transfers can be found mainly in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).  

Such transfer may then occur, on the basis of the GDPR, through adequacy decisions or contractual agreements (such as Material Transfer Agreements or Data Transfer Agreements according to their object) or other contractual clauses.   

Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) and Data Transfer Agreements (DTAs) are essential governance instruments that regulate the transfer of biological materials and data between organisations. They provide legal certainty regarding ownership, permitted uses, intellectual property rights, confidentiality, publication, liability, and compliance with applicable legislation. Beyond their contractual function, MTAs and DTAs are important tools for promoting ethical, transparent, and responsible collaboration in biomedical research.

This webinar will walk you through the topic of MTAs and DTAs.