Utilization Overview
The iCROWN repository collects and stores processed specimens, clinical information, and genomic analysis data derived from specimens collected from research implementing institutions, associate research implementing institutions, and other participating organizations.
These specimens and data can be utilized for a wide range of research purposes, including the elucidation of disease mechanisms, the identification of factors associated with disease severity and prognosis, the improvement of diagnostic and treatment methods, and research contributing to the development of pharmaceuticals and other medical products.
By promoting the broad use of these specimens and data in medical research and development, the iCROWN repository aims to advance not only the field of infectious diseases but also medical science as a whole.
Basic Utilization Policy
- Utilization is available to researchers affiliated with research institutions and companies in Japan.
- Research results obtained utilizing specimens and data from the iCROWN repository belong to the user.
- When publishing research results, users are required to acknowledge the utilization of data from the iCROWN repository and include a mention in the methods section.
- Usage fees are free for both corporate and academic organizations for research that is consistent with the iCROWN repository’s purpose. However, costs necessary for the provision of specimens and data, such as shipping fees, will be the responsibility of the user.
Targeted Infectious Diseases
As of September 2025, the infectious diseases targeted by iCROWN are as follows:
- Severe acute respiratory infections (including Coronavirus disease 2019)
- Mpox
- Pediatric hepatitis of unknown etiology
- Priority infectious diseases*1
- Specimens collected through genomic surveillance at the time of entry into Japan*2
*1 At the 96th meeting of the Infectious Diseases Subcommittee of the Health and Science Council (June 12, 2025), the addition of Priority Infectious Diseases to the list of target infectious diseases was approved. The iCROWN Administrative Office will begin operations as soon as the specimen
collection system is in place.
*2 In addition, we accept specimens from other research projects, information obtained through the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's Surveillance Program upon Entry, and residual specimens.
Specimens and Data Collected in the iCROWN Repository
Available for infectious disease research on emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.
・Clinical Information
（例）
| Basic Clinical Information | ・Age ・Sex ・Demographics and comorbidities ・Height and weight ・Dates of first visit, admission, and symptom onset |
| Infectious Disease Information | ・Target disease test results ・Other pathogen test results ・Vaccination history |
| Hospitalization and Treatment Data | ・Symptoms at admission ・Clinical outcomes ・Treatments administered ・Hospitalization course (e.g., body temperature, SpO₂, heart rate) |
・Specimens
| ・Plasma ・PBMCs (Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells) ・Human DNA ・Saliva ・Swab specimens (nasopharyngeal, anterior nasal, throat, and skin lesion swabs) ・Stool samples |
・Human Genomic Analysis Data
| ・Raw sequencing data (FASTQ format)* ・Mapped sequencing data (CRAM format)* ・Genomic variant data (gVCF, VCF) * Available upon consultation. |
・Isolated Pathogens and Pathogen Genomic Data
Examples of Resource Utilization
- Research using clinical data and specimens
- Research using clinical and genomic data
- Research using clinical and pathogen genomic data
- Basic research using pathogens
- Research using clinical data
Past Examples
- Research Utilizing the Repository
Utilization Process
If you wish to utilize the repository, please follow the steps outlined below.
Depending on the application status, a waiting period may be required for step 5) Research consultation.
Utilization Process（click to display flowchart）
- 1) Preliminary account registration
- If you already have an account for the iCROWN Repository Portal, you may skip steps 1) to 3) and proceed directly to step 4).
If you do not have an account, please click [here] for preliminary account registration.
- 2) Account issuance application
- After completing the preliminary account registration, submit an account issuance application. You may also apply for accounts for your co-researchers at the same time.
- 3) Complete e-Learning
- Once you have been issued an account, you will be required to take three e-learning courses (research ethics, pathogen training, and ethics guidelines).
- 4) Browse the showcase
- After completing the e-learning and having your status approved, you can search for specimens and data collected in the iCROWN repository. Please use this information as a reference when considering your application. Log in to the Repository Portal, and select “launch showcase” from the utilization dropdown menu.
- 5) Research consultation
- Contact the iCROWN Utilization Desk via email. We will provide you with an overview of the specimens and data within the iCROWN repository and discuss with you what will be used in your research.
- 6) Utilization application
- If the consultation confirms that you can proceed with utilization, we will send you the necessary forms by email. Please fill these out. Once you submit the necessary application documents, we will review them. After confirming that all necessary information has been properly completed, the utilization subcommittee will deliberate on the utilization.
- 7) Receive specimens and data
- Upon approval by the utilization subcommittee, a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) will be concluded.The specimens will then be shipped to you from the Japan Institute for Health Security. Data will be provided to you by the analysis laboratory within the Japan Institute for Health Security.
- 8) Report research outcomes
- Please note that a utilization report must be submitted each fiscal year. Additionally, any research achievements, such as published papers, must also be reported.
Utilization Review Schedule
The review schedule for repository utilization is as follows.
FY2026
| Application Deadline | Notification of Review Results | Data Provision Begins |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||
| Apr 14 (Tue) | Late April | Mid-May |
| May 12 (Tue) | Late May | Mid-June |
| Jun 9 (Tue) | Late June | Mid-July |
| Jul 14 (Tue) | Late July | Mid-August |
| Aug 12 (Wed)※ | Late August | Mid-September |
| Sep 8 (Tue) | Late September | Mid-October |
| Oct 13（Tue） | Late October | Mid-November |
| Nov 10（Tue） | Late November | Mid-December |
| Dec 8（Tue） | Late December | Mid-January |
| 2027 | ||
| Jan 12（Tue） | Late January | Mid-Feburary |
| Feb 9（Tue） | Late Feburary | Mid-March |
| Mar 9（Tue） | Late March | Mid-April |
★ The schedule shown above is for guidance only and may vary depending on individual circumstances.
Research Utilizing the Repository
For more information on research utilizing the repository, please click here.
