NAKO TransferHub

The central tool for applying for use and access NAKO data and biosamples for scientific purpose is the NAKO TransferHub. Here you can view all data and variables and compile the selection you need.

Researchers from the EU, EEA, and other countries that comply with the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) can submit applications in accordance with the Use and Access Policy.

You need to register to use the TransferHub. Your account will then be activated. Please ensure that you comply with our following documents.

Documents

Would you like to use data from the German National Cohort (NAKO) for a scientific research project, apply for data sets or plan a publication? You can find all necessary documents here.

Use & Access

It is part of the concept of the German National Cohort (NAKO) that scientists and research institutions are given the opportunity to use data and biomaterial for scientific projects. The relevant mandatory regulation of the procedures for the transfer and use of such data and samples is provided by the Use and Access Policy, which also regulate the application to the Use & Access Committee.

If you are interested in NAKO data use, please contact
Anke Macdonald
transfer@nako.de
Phone +49 (0)6221 4262032

The publication policy describes the framework conditions for scientific publications based on data from the German National Cohort (NAKO). For applications for use and access submitted before 1 January 2026, the publication regulations in the version valid until 2025 apply; for applications submitted on or after 1 January 2026, the new publication regulations valid from 2026 apply.

The Code of Ethics of the German National Cohort (NAKO) is adopted by the General Assembly and defines the ethical framework of the study.

The data protection concept describes the measures for data protection and IT security. Each institution involved in the German National Cohort (NAKO) ensures that the data collection and handling of the data is carried out in accordance with the data protection concept. Data processing is carried out in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The data protection concept of the NAKO is continuously coordinated with the responsible supervisory authority, the Federal Data Protection Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (BfDI), and is supported by the BfDI in an advisory capacity.

NAKO Data & Biosamples

NAKO Concept & Projects

Level 3 projects are additions to the existing programme of the German National Cohort (NAKO) that are initiated, financed and carried out by one or more members of NAKO e. V. (internal partners), possibly in collaboration with external cooperation partners (national or international research groups). The requirement is that these are financed independently and do not conflict with the regular research programme of the NAKO.

Internal and external partners are referred to as ‘Level 3 partners’. These additional surveys may include all or only some of the study participants in the participating study centres and may be conducted within or external to the respective study centres.

If you are interested in a Level 3 project, please contact:

Simone Albrecht
level-3@nako.de
Phone +49 (0)6221-4262041

  • The scientific concept of the German National Cohort (NAKO) was first submitted to the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) for review in February 2011.
  • The first review by an international committee took place in April 2011 and all the key points of the study were assessed positively by the reviewers.
  • The scientific concept was continuously revised as part of feasibility studies (pretests) and on the basis of further expert recommendations (further international reviews by the BMFTR in 2012 and 2013).

The concept was published in the European Journal of Epidemiology:

We have summarised an overview of our research data and the process of your research project in this information flyer.

Contact us

Transfer Office

The Transfer Office advises on research enquiries, reviews applications for use and access and coordinates the review process for new research projects with NAKO data and biosamples.

E-Mail