ARK Portal Docs
ARK Portal Docs
Breadcrumbs

Updating & Renewing Data Access Requests

Although updates and annual renewals are submitted for different reasons, both follow the same submission and review process.

Note: Only the Synapse user who originally submitted the request can update or renew it. If the original submitter is unavailable, a new access request must be submitted.

Access Request: Updates

ARK Portal data access requests must be updated whenever there are changes to collaborators, intended data use, or requested studies. Updates help ensure that access records and approved data users remain accurate and up to date.

Access Request: Annual Renewal

Access to controlled-access data through the ARK Portal is granted for one year and must be renewed annually to maintain continued access. Annual renewal requests should be submitted before the access expiration date to allow adequate time for review. The original request submitter will receive reminder emails before access expires.

Before Starting an Update/ Renewal

  1. Visit your Synapse Access Request History and locate the Access Request that requires updates.

  2. Scroll to the bottom and locate the Data Use Certificate download button under the “Documents” section and download a copy of your submitted DUC.

  3. Review the  current DUC Template and verify that it matches the version of the DUC that you submitted in your Access Request.

    1. If your existing DUC is the current version: add any new collaborators to the DUC and remove collaborators who no longer require access by clearly striking through their name and signature. Please note that the finalized DUC must exactly match the “Data Requesters” list submitted through the access request portal.

    2. If your existing DUC is an older version: complete and submit the latest version of the DUC. Outdated DUC versions cannot be used for updated requests.

Submitting an Update/ Renewal Request

  1. Visit the ARK Portal access request page.

  2. Click Update Request.

  3. Review the existing request information and update it as needed:

    1. If your intended data use has changed: update your IDU statement on Screen 3 of the access request portal.

    2. If you added/removed collaborators from the DUC: Ensure that the “Data Requesters” list on Screen 3 of the Access Request portal is updated to  exactly match the collaborators listed on the DUC.

  4. Upload the updated DUC and submit.

  5. Wait 1-2 weeks for review.

You will receive an email approximately one to two weeks of request submission indicating whether your renewal has been approved or rejected. Once approved, data access will renew for everyone listed within the submission for one year.

📄 ARK Portal DUC V4.1 Step 3 Renewing and Submitting

To request additional DUC support:

If you still have questions or issues related to a DUC, please contact our Access & Compliance Team (ACT). You can use any of the following methods to contact the ACT: