1. Data Controller
The data controller for this platform is Liverpool John Moores University
(LJMU), through the Astrophysics Research Institute (ARI). We are committed to protecting
your personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
and the Data Protection Act 2018.
2. What Data We Collect
We collect and process the following personal data:
Account Information
- Name and email address
- Institutional affiliation
- Account credentials (encrypted)
Research Data
- NRT and LT proposal submissions
- Observation requests and targets
- Co-investigator details
We also collect technical data such as IP addresses, browser type,
and access logs for security and platform improvement purposes.
3. How We Use Your Data
Your personal data is used for the following purposes:
- Account management: To create and maintain your user account on the
SODC platform.
- Proposal processing: To facilitate the submission, review, and
allocation of NRT and LT observing time.
- Communication: To send you notifications about your proposals,
telescope operations, and platform updates.
- Platform improvement: To analyse usage patterns and improve the
platform's performance and usability.
- Security: To detect and prevent unauthorised access and abuse.
4. Data Sharing
Your data may be shared with:
- NRT/LT Telescope Allocation Committees: Proposal information is shared
with the relevant TAC/TAG for review and time allocation.
- Referees: Proposals may be shared with external referees for scientific
review.
- Co-investigators: Proposal details are visible to listed
co-investigators.
We do not sell your personal data to third parties.
5. Data Retention
Personal data is retained for as long as your account remains active.
Proposal data is retained in accordance with astronomical research best practices and
funding body requirements. You may request deletion of your account and associated data at
any time by contacting us.
6. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect
your personal data, including:
- Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS/TLS)
- Hashed and salted password storage
- Role-based access controls
- Regular security assessments
7. Cookies
This platform uses essential cookies required for the proper functioning
of the website, including session management and CSRF protection. We do not use tracking or
advertising cookies.
8. Your Rights
Under the UK GDPR, you have the following rights:
- Right of access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
- Right to rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete
data.
- Right to erasure: Request deletion of your personal data, subject to
legal and contractual obligations.
- Right to restrict processing: Request limitation of how we process your
data.
- Right to data portability: Request your data in a structured,
machine-readable format.
- Right to object: Object to the processing of your data in certain
circumstances.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details
below.
9. Contact Information
For any questions or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please
contact:
NRT/LT Science Operations
Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University
Email: NRT@ljmu.ac.uk
For general LJMU data protection enquiries, please contact the LJMU
Data Protection Officer at dpo@ljmu.ac.uk.
