Modifying or removing an existing experiment

Release Date Changes

While a study is still private, the submitter can release the data immediately or postpone the release date.

After the study has been loaded into ArrayExpress, an account is automatically created for the submitter and an account activation email is sent from BioStudies. Any subsequent changes to the release date must be made in ArrayExpress/BioStudies rather than in Annotare.

Submitters can modify the release date directly by logging in to the BioStudies management/submission tool:

https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/arrayexpress/help#ae-access

Please note that while an experiment remains private, links to ENA (European Nucleotide Archive) data are placeholders. These links are activated when the experiment becomes public, although a short delay may occur during synchronisation.

Adding or Updating a Publication Link

The publication field can be updated at any time after the experiment has been loaded into ArrayExpress.

Submitters can update publication references directly via BioStudies:

https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/arrayexpress/help#ae-access

Once an accession number is cited in a publication (including preprints), the dataset must be released.

Making Changes to a Private Submission

Changes to private submissions can be made depending on the type of correction required.

Minor Changes

  • Title, description, or small metadata updates
  • Email annotare@ebi.ac.uk with accession and details
  • A curator will update the record
  • Changes appear in ArrayExpress but not in Annotare

Major Changes

  • Adding samples or files
  • Significant metadata updates
  • Email Annotare team to reopen submission
  • Make updates in Annotare and resubmit
  • Submission returns to processing queue

For sequencing experiments, original ENA accessions are retained where possible. However, major modifications may require new accessions.

Removing a Private Submission

A private (never public) study can be removed at any time.

Files in ENA are not deleted but are cancelled (no longer accessible).

More information: ENA Release Policy

Making Changes to a Public Submission

Changes to public submissions are more complex, as the data may already be in use.

Authors are responsible for ensuring accuracy before publication.

Public studies can be made private again only if they have not been cited.

Minor Changes

  • Email Annotare with accession and details
  • Curator updates the record
  • Changes visible in ArrayExpress only

Major Changes

  • Submission must be reopened in Annotare
  • Make updates and resubmit
  • Curator reviews updated submission
  • New ENA accessions may be assigned if required

Removing a Public Submission

Public studies are generally not removed.

In exceptional cases (e.g. sensitive data), removal may be possible unless the accession is cited in a publication.

ENA files are not deleted but moved to suppressed status. Records are no longer visible, but underlying files remain.

More details: ENA Release Policy

Additional Notes

Array Designs

Array designs cannot be removed or made private if linked to a public experiment.

Expression Atlas

Public experiments may be included in Expression Atlas. If later made private, they will be removed in the next Atlas release cycle (typically once or twice per year), unless urgent removal is required.