Seeding Labs Research Participation Terms

Effective Date: January 26, 2026

This Research Privacy Policy applies to individuals who participate in Seeding Labs–sponsored research studies, including the Flourish Study.

1. Purpose and Scope

Seeding Labs respects the privacy of research participants and is committed to protecting personal information, health information, and research data collected in connection with its research studies. This Research Privacy Policy describes how Seeding Labs collects, uses, stores, and shares information in the context of research participation.

This Policy applies only to research activities conducted by Seeding Labs and related study operations, including qualification surveys, specimen collection, analysis, and the return of research results. It does not apply to consumer-facing services or platforms operated by other entities.

2. Relationship to Informed Consent

Participation in a Seeding Labs research study is governed primarily by the applicable IRB-approved Informed Consent Form and related study materials (collectively, the "Consent"). This Research Privacy Policy is incorporated by reference into the Consent.

If there is any inconsistency between this Policy and the Consent, the Consent controls.

3. Information We Collect

In connection with research participation, Seeding Labs may collect the following categories of information:

• Personal Information: such as name, contact information, date of birth, mailing address, and demographic information
• Health and Research Information: including medical history, survey responses, reported symptoms, and other study-related information
• Specimen Data: including stool samples and derived microbiome data
• Study Operations Information: such as communications with the study team, scheduling information, and survey completion status

Seeding Labs collects only the information reasonably necessary to conduct and administer research studies.

4. How We Use Information

Seeding Labs uses collected information for the following research-related purposes:

• Determining eligibility and administering research studies
• Processing and analyzing biological specimens
• Generating research results and reports
• Communicating with participants regarding study activities
• Ensuring data quality, integrity, and regulatory compliance
• Conducting internal research, analysis, and quality improvement

Information is not used for advertising, marketing, or commercial solicitation.

5. De-Identified and Aggregated Data

Seeding Labs may de-identify or aggregate research data so that it can no longer reasonably be used to identify an individual participant. De-identified or aggregated data may be used to:

• Support scientific research and publications
• Improve research methods and analytical approaches
• Contribute to future microbiome research efforts

De-identified data may be shared with academic, regulatory, or commercial partners in accordance with the Consent and applicable law.

6. Data Sharing and Third-Party Service Providers

Seeding Labs may share information with third-party service providers that support research operations, such as laboratories, data hosting providers, and shipping carriers. These providers are permitted to use information only as necessary to perform services on behalf of Seeding Labs and are required to maintain appropriate safeguards.

Information may also be shared with oversight bodies, including Institutional Review Boards and regulatory authorities, as required by law or research regulations.

Seeding Labs does not sell participant personal information.

7. Data Storage, Security, and Retention

Seeding Labs implements administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect the confidentiality and security of research information. Data may be stored in encrypted systems and accessed only by authorized personnel.

Information and specimens may be retained for the duration described in the Consent and as required for research, regulatory, or scientific purposes. De-identified data may be retained for future research use.

8. Participant Rights

Participant rights regarding access, correction, withdrawal, and data use are described in the Informed Consent. Requests related to research data will be handled in accordance with the Consent and applicable law.

9. Legal Disclosures

Seeding Labs may disclose information if required to do so by law, regulation, subpoena, or court order, or to protect the rights, safety, or integrity of participants, the research study, or Seeding Labs.

10. Changes to This Policy

Seeding Labs may update this Research Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated as appropriate and consistent with the Consent and applicable regulations.

11. Contact Information

Questions about this Research Privacy Policy or research data practices may be directed to:

Seeding Labs Research Team
Email: hello@seedinglabs.com