SAFE

SAFE (Secure Access to Research Data and e-Infrastructure) is a platform for secure processing, sharing, and analysis of sensitive personal data in research. Developed by the IT division at the University of Bergen and provided through ELIXIR Norway, SAFE is intended for researchers who need to work with potentially identifiable human data in a compliant, controlled environment.

The platform supports distributed collaboration, allowing team members located anywhere in the world to securely access the same datasets and software tools. Research data can be transferred directly from laboratory instruments into SAFE, and all subsequent work takes place within the secure environment.

Key Features and Capabilities

• Secure remote access: researchers can work with sensitive data from any location with an internet connection
• Shared project environments: team members access the same data and pre-installed software within isolated project areas
• Direct data transfer from instruments: laboratory instruments can be connected directly to SAFE for secure data ingestion
• Regulatory compliance: the platform is designed to meet Norwegian and EU regulations for handling sensitive personal data
• Cross-institutional collaboration: data and analysis environments can be shared securely with external collaborators
• ELIXIR Norway integration: access to SAFE is provided and supported through ELIXIR Norway

Getting Started

1. Contact ELIXIR Norway to request access to SAFE
2. Once approved, set up a project area and invite collaborators
3. Transfer research data from instruments into the secure environment
4. Access the project from any computer with an internet connection

SAFE is hosted and maintained by the University of Bergen's IT division and is made available to the research community through ELIXIR Norway, which also serves as the primary point of contact for access requests and support.