Understand How Data Moves 

The Secure Research Environment (SRE) uses controlled folders, review workflows, and the DataMover tool to help research teams bring approved files into the environment, collaborate on project data, and move approved files out when needed. 

Before choosing a transfer method, use these definitions to understand the available pathways: 

Term What it means 
Ingress Moving approved data or files int the SRE 
Egress Moving project data or files out of the SRE for review and approved release. 
Common Folder  A shared workspace for an individual user or small project team. 
Data Steward The person or team responsible for reviewing and approving access to or release of project data. 
RIC Team The team that reviews applicable project data transferred through an egress workflow. 
DataMover  A tool for moving approved, nonrestricted files into the SRE and, in limited approved cases, out of the SRE. 

Choose the Right Project Folder Setup

SRE IT Team can create folders based on the project’s access, collaboration, ingress, and egress requirements. 

General Collaboration 

A common project folder is intended for an individual user or a small project team. SRE IT creates one shared folder for project data, work, and collaboration. 

Frequent Data Ingress or Egress 

Use dedicated ingress and egress folders when data must be received, reviewed, or transferred regularly. 

Folder Type Purpose Transfer or Review Details 
Common project folder  Shared workspace for an individual user or small project team.  SRE IT creates one folder for project data, work, and collaboration. 
Ingress project folder  Receives and stores incoming datasets and files.  Available to authorized project team members. 
Egress project folder  Transfers folder contents to the RIC team for review.  Automated transfers occur every four hours: 10 a.m., 2 p.m., 6 p.m., 10 p.m., 2 a.m., and 6 a.m. 
REDCap egress folder  Transfers approved project data to the REDCap Administration team for review.  Automated transfers occur every four hours. 

Find Your Projects and Folders

Your SRE desktop may include two project folders: 

  • <project ID> Ingress
  • <project ID> Egress 

The ingress folder is the landing zone for incoming project data. The egress folder is the controlled gateway for data leaving the environment. The ingress folder is available to project team members and other users who are authorized for the project, including those added to the applicable IRB protocol. Authorized team members can work from the ingress folder. 

Your project may use a dedicated Microsoft Teams team and channel. From the channel’s Files tab, authorized users can upload data for ingress or download data that has completed review and approval for egress. 

Use DataMover for Approved Files

The SRE DataMover tool helps approved SRE users move files into the environment. In limited, approved cases, it may also be used to move files out of the SRE.   To help protect sensitive information, files moved out of the SRE are scanned before they are released. 

  1. Open the outside DataMover site and sign in with your SRE-enabled account. Open outside DataMover 
  2. Upload the approved file you want to move into your SRE project. 
  3. Allow the file to process. Processing may take up to 10 minutes. 
  4. Sign in to the SRE, open the inside DataMover site, and download the processed file. Open inside DataMover 

Moving files out of the SRE is more restricted because the environment may contain sensitive research data. At this time, only Principal Investigators (PIs) and Data Stewards may request access to move files out using DataMover. 
Complete the egress access request form. After the form is submitted, the SRE IT team will contact you to review the request, discuss the intended use, and explain how DataMover works. 
Request DataMover egress access 
If a file is flagged during scanning, follow the instructions provided by the SRE IT team. Do not attempt to release or transfer the file through another method. 

Important DataMover Notice

DataMover is intended for files that do not contain protected health information (PHI), personally identifiable information (PII), or other restricted data. Do not use DataMover for restricted information unless you have received specific approval and guidance from the SRE IT team