Scientific proposals

This article describes how to submit a scientific proposal which uses data obtained in the LifeLines Cohort Study.

Overall aim of the LifeLines Study is to unravel the interaction between genetic and environmental factors in the development of multifactorial diseases, their concurrent development in individuals and their complications as a complex trait.

Primary objectives are:
a. Which are the disease overriding risk factors which predict the development of a multifactorial disease during lifetime?
b. How are these universal risk factors modified, or what determines the effect of a universal risk factor in an individual?
Specific research questions will focus on risk factors and modifiers (genetic, environmental and combined or complex factors) for single and multiple diseases. In addition to co-morbidity, LifeLines focuses on co-determinants. The primary endpoints include measures of ageing, metabolic and endocrine diseases, cardiovascular and renal diseases, pulmonary and musculoskeletal diseases, and psychopathology.
Secondary aims include the assessment of the prevalence and incidence of multifactorial diseases, their risk factors and their treatment in individuals as well as in families. The burden of disease for the society will be quantified in terms of care needed, and total costs of care.
The LifeLines database contains questionnaire data, physical measurements and biological samples from different health examinations. More details on their content can be found in the LifeLines Protocols. Collaboration is encouraged as it helps to maximize the scientific value of the wealth of epidemiologic data made possible by the (future) participation of more than 165,000 individuals in the LifeLines Cohort Study.

Scientific proposals
Any researcher who is staff member of an internationally recognized academic institution and who is interested in utilizing the research possibilities, data and materials of LifeLines may apply for access. A LifeLines Scientific Project is a project which uses data or results of biological examinations and measurements in materials from LifeLines (when both are used, the term LifeLines materials will be used).
The applicant who is acting as Principal Investigator must therefore be connected to a department or institution with the competence to carry out the research project to term. A contract will give the right to use the data for a pre-determined period of time. This contract also comprises the costs for the LifeLines Biobank which the investigator needs to reimburse.
To apply for access, there will be an electronic application process. All applications must be e-mailed to the LifeLines Scientific Committee at the University Medical Center Groningen ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).
The approach must fit within the purpose of LifeLines as stated in the LifeLines protocol (see the scientific protocol posted on the website www.lifelines.net).
The application will mention the institution, project manager, collaborators, title of the partial project, purpose and a short project description. Also a more detailed work schedule, finance plan and publication plan must be available. The project description will comprise background and the reason for the specific approach chosen by the investigators. It is helpful that work already done in the relevant field is briefly summarized, as well as what this new project will add to the existing knowledge. The application should clearly describe the selection criteria (i.e. the persons whose data will be used, as well as sample size), a list of variables which are needed to carry out the project, and a summary of the methods of statistical analysis which will be used. It should also state what collaboration with LifeLines investigators is planned, and whether these collaborating investigators approved the proposal.

The application will contain the CV of the project leader with his/her publication list for the last five years. A summary of all LifeLines projects, with project title, the name of the project leader and the name and address of the research institution will be published on the LifeLines website and in the LifeLines Year Reports.
When several researchers are interested in the same approach or topic, the researchers will be encouraged to collaborate, either in cooperating in analyses and publication or by dividing the problem approach more finely. If this does not work, LifeLines will prioritise project applications according to scientific merit.
Data may only be used in the way and for the purpose which has been specified in the approved research proposal. Any use of the dataset for another purpose precludes the use of LifeLines data for the investigator(s) during a period of 3 years.

Scientific evaluation
The applications are reviewed by LifeLines’ Scientific Committee. In scientifically complicated matters, independent experts may be asked for advice. The following criteria are used for judgement of applications:
a. the project fits within the philosophy of LifeLines
b. the project is of high scientific quality and relevance
c. it may be expected that the project will lead to new insights in the field of medical and related science
d. the project complies with the demands of adequate methodology of scientific research
e. the project utilizes the minimum of LifeLines materials to answer its scientific questions
f. the research group has demonstrable expertise in the research area covered by their application
g. the project is in concordance with international criteria regarding the proper conduct of scientific research.
The LifeLines Scientific Committee advises the LifeLines Board as regards to acceptance of the proposed Project on the basis of aforementioned criteria. The final decision is made by the LifeLines Board. All projects need to undergo review before they can be submitted to funding organisations like research foundations (Heart Foundation, Dutch Diabetes Research Foundation) or other organisations (NWO, Zon-MW, Ti Pharma, TiFN, ADA, EASD e.o.).