User guide » Definitions » Data Access Committees
Data Access Committee (DAC) Management¶
A Data Access Committee (DAC) is a committee responsible for reviewing and approving data access requests for one or more datasets. In DAISY, a DAC is always linked to a Contract, which in turn belongs to a Project. DACs are managed under the Definitions module.
DACs are typically used in biomedical research to govern access to sensitive data — the committee reviews requests and decides who may access which datasets under what conditions.
Creating a DAC¶
A DAC can be created in two ways:
- From the Definitions menu — navigate to the DACs tab and click the add button.
- From a Contract detail page — scroll to the DACs section and click the add button there. The contract is pre-filled.
When creating a DAC you must provide:
- Title — a unique name for the committee. The title cannot be changed after creation.
- Project — used to filter available contracts.
- Contract — the contract under which the DAC operates. Cannot be changed after creation.
- Local Custodians — at least one user responsible for managing the DAC.
Optionally, you may add a Description of the committee's purpose and scope.
Note
DACs cannot be deleted once created.
Managing Members¶
Committee members are Contacts (people registered in DAISY's Definitions module). To add a member:
- Open the DAC detail page.
- Click the add button in the Members section.
- Select a contact and optionally add a remark (e.g. their role in the committee).
Each contact can only be added once per DAC. Members can be removed by users with edit permissions on the DAC.
Linking Datasets¶
A DAC can be responsible for one or more Datasets. Datasets are linked to a DAC to indicate that the committee reviews and approves access requests for that data.
Assigning datasets to a DAC is restricted to Data Stewards. Only published datasets that are not already assigned to another DAC can be linked.
Permissions¶
DAC permissions follow the same pattern as other DAISY records:
| Action | Who can perform it |
|---|---|
| View any DAC | All authenticated users |
| Create a DAC | Users with edit permission on the parent Contract |
| Edit a DAC | Data Stewards, Legal users (via contract), Local Custodians |
| Manage members | Same as edit |
| Assign datasets | Data Stewards only |
Permissions on a DAC are inherited from its parent Contract. If you have edit permission on a Contract, you have edit permission on all DACs under that contract. See Users Groups and Permissions for the full breakdown.