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Frequently Asked Questions – Indian Array Data Archive (IADA)

What is IADA?

The Indian Array Data Archive (IADA) is a national public repository that archives, curates and freely distributes probe-based molecular data generated using microarrays, PCR/RT-PCR assays, Nanostring nCounter, FISH and other array-like or emerging technologies.

IADA is part of the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC), established by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and hosted at the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad.

The portal provides user-friendly web interfaces to submit, browse, validate and download datasets and follows high metadata standards such as MIAME to ensure completeness and reproducibility.

Why should I submit my data to IADA?

Depositing data with IADA offers several benefits:

  • Compliance: Satisfy funder and journal requirements for MIAME-compliant public archiving.
  • Long-term preservation: Secure storage with persistent identifiers in a national facility.
  • Visibility & impact: Increased discoverability and citation of your datasets.
  • Integration: Data become part of the IBDC ecosystem, linked with related resources.
  • Discoverability: Add links to project websites, DOIs and institutional pages.
  • No publication requirement: Data can be submitted even without a manuscript.

How do I submit my data to IADA?

Log in to the IADA portal using institutional credentials or the provided authentication option, then follow the guided submission workflow:

  1. Project: Title, funding details, access mode and release date, project mode, description, ethical clearance (if applicable), data sharing plan, organism category and declaration of adherence to Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines and FeED Protocols.
  2. Study: Select project and study type, then provide study title, abstract, organism, Taxon ID, associated publications (DOIs), keywords and contributor details (name, institute, designation, email, ORCID).
  3. Samples: Enter sample attributes such as sample type, tissue, strain, developmental stage, sex, collection details, treatment/condition, phenotype, environmental history, genetic modification or disease status and optional sample files.
  4. Experiment: Link project, study and BioSamples; add experiment title and description, dates, technology, type and design, input molecule, instrument model and protocol information (extraction, labeling, hybridization, scanning, treatment, etc.).
  5. Data upload: Upload files through web upload (small datasets) or SFTP upload (large datasets).
  6. Validation & completion: Automated checks verify file integrity, formats and metadata completeness before curator approval.

If you encounter any issues, IADA curators can assist by email.

When should I submit my data to IADA?

Many journals request accession numbers before accepting a manuscript, and reviewers may need access to the data during peer review. Ideally, deposit your data in IADA before submitting the manuscript.

Processing time depends on dataset size and curation load, so please submit well in advance of your required deadline. Records can remain private or embargoed until your manuscript or preprint becomes public.

When will my submission receive IADA accession numbers?

Accession numbers are assigned after successful validation and curator approval. Review time depends on submission volume, metadata completeness and file correctness.

If any issues are detected, a curator will contact you with details. Please respond promptly and check spam/junk folders for IADA emails.

What kinds of data does IADA accept?

IADA accepts a broad range of probe-based molecular measurement datasets, including:

  • Gene expression profiling by microarray
  • Non-coding RNA arrays
  • DNA methylation arrays
  • PCR/RT-PCR high-throughput assays
  • Nanostring nCounter datasets
  • FISH assay readouts
  • SNP arrays and array CGH
  • Protein and antibody arrays
  • Other compatible array-like or probe-based emerging technologies

If your data type is not listed, please contact IADA for guidance.

Does IADA store raw data?

Yes. IADA requires raw data, processed data and metadata. Raw data are essential for unambiguous interpretation, reproducibility and independent re-analysis.

Accepted raw formats include platform-specific files such as scanner outputs, CEL files and raw intensity tables, depending on the technology used.

Can I submit only summary or filtered data?

No. IADA requires complete, unfiltered datasets, including:

  • Full hybridization tables or genome-wide probe-level values
  • Complete sample and protocol metadata
  • Detailed experiment design information
  • Platform annotations

This ensures transparency and enables comprehensive re-analysis by the research community.

How do I create an IADA account?

Access the IADA portal and log in using the IBDC authentication system or institutional login. Provide basic profile details (name, institute, designation, email) that will be used for curator communication and displayed on public records.

One account can be used for multiple projects and submissions.

How can I update my contact information?

After logging in, you can edit your profile details from the portal. Changes will apply to future submissions and may propagate to existing records according to IADA policy.

If you need different contact details for new projects while keeping old records unchanged, you may create a separate account.

I run a core facility. How should I submit data for multiple investigators?

You may choose one of the following:

  • Create a separate IADA profile for each investigator.
  • Submit under your own profile and request transfer to the investigator after approval.
  • Maintain a facility account and list investigators as Contributors on each project/study.

Can I keep my data private while my manuscript is under review?

Yes.

During project creation you can set a release date. Records remain private until that date or until your manuscript/preprint becomes public.

You may adjust the release date if needed, and you can generate reviewer access links that allow confidential, read-only access for editors, reviewers or collaborators.

Can I keep my data private after my manuscript is published?

No.

Once IADA accession numbers appear in a publication, preprint or other public resource, the corresponding records must be released so that the scientific community can access the data.

How can I allow reviewers access to my private records?

After approval you can generate a reviewer access link from the project or study page. This link provides anonymous, read-only access to private metadata and files for journal editors and reviewers.

How can I correct or update submitted data?

Editing to metadata after submission is not possible, so please ensure you are submitting correct metadata and data files. For any changes, contact IADA support for guidance.

Can I delete my records from IADA?

Only IADA staff can remove or suppress records. To request deletion, email IADA with the relevant accession numbers.

If an accession has already been cited in a publication or preprint, full deletion is usually not possible; instead, a note may be added and content adjusted or restricted as appropriate.

Does IADA support MIAME?

Yes.

IADA strongly encourages MIAME-compliant submissions. The Project, Study, Sample and Experiment forms are designed around MIAME checklists. If you complete all requested fields, your submission should be suitable for reproducible analysis.

Can I submit data derived from human subjects?

Yes datasets that require controlled access, can be submitted at IADA by selecting No access and providing proper jsutification.

For public human data, you are responsible for ensuring appropriate consent, removal of personally identifiable information and compliance with relevant regulations and institutional ethics approvals. Please consult your Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC).