Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I volunteer to be part of the Human Microbiome Project?
A: The HMP is no longer accepting volunteers to be sequenced. For more information about how participants were recruited please see a full list of study inclusion/exclusion criteria. If you would like to have your own microbiome sampled, see the American Gut Project
Q: Do I need permission to use the HMP/iHMP data in my own scientific research?
A: No. The HMP is designated as a community resource project to accelerate access to, and use of HMP data by the entire scientific community. Please cite the HMP consortium papers.
Q: Do I need a password to access iHMP data and resources?
A: All the HMP data and resources are freely available for browsing, however a password is required in order to add data files to the Advanced Query cart for download.
Q: Can I get the protocols that were used for the iHMP?
A: All software, online resources and standard operating protocols used in, or developed as part of the HMP, are being made accessible on the Tools & Technology page.
Q: How do I cite the Human Microbiome Project?
A: When citing the Human Microbiome Project in general please use the HMP consortium publications:
- A framework for human microbiome research. Human Microbiome Project Consortium, Nature, 486 (2012), pp. 215-221
- Structure, function and diversity of the healthy human microbiome. Human Microbiome Project Consortium, Nature, 486 (2012), pp. 207–214
When citing the integrative Human Microbiome Project please use the iHMP marker paper, or search our Publications page for project specific publications:
Q: How do I contact you?
A: If you want to ask us a question or send us comments, please use the feedback form.
