NIH genomic data security rules slow research, push scientists toward workarounds
By
Georgia Michelman Author
Summary
New NIH security rules (NIST SP 800-171) implemented in 2025 for genomic data sets are slowing scientific research and prompting researchers to find workarounds. The rules, designed to protect sensitive data from foreign adversaries, require researchers to meet strict cybersecurity standards before accessing data. However, many researchers lack institutional support to comply, leading to delays, data access restrictions, and concerns that the regulations are hindering legitimate scientific progress while failing to address security concerns effectively.
Source
Twitter / XNIH genomic data security rules slow research, push scientists toward workaroundsscim.agKey quotes
· 3 pulledIn the spring of 2025, Andrew Lynn, a developmental cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Louisville (UofL), was starting a research project that would rely on data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study... But when he navigated to its website to download the data, he came across a worrisome announcement invoking an unfamiliar acronym: NIST SP 800-171.
Data security experts say increased oversight is needed, but researchers are struggling to comply
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), which funds the ABCD Study, ado
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