Legal

Terms and Conditions

Last updated: February 13, 2026

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using CyanoVault ("the Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use the Platform. CyanoVault is operated by BNERC ("we", "us", or "our").

2. Description of Service

CyanoVault is a digital platform providing access to curated cyanobacterial strain data, research protocols, educational resources, and related scientific content. The Platform serves researchers, educators, and institutions working with cyanobacteria and related organisms.

3. User Accounts

Certain features of the Platform may require registration. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.

4. Strain Requests and Material Transfer

Requests for biological materials are subject to availability, institutional compliance, and applicable biosafety regulations. All strain transfers are governed by Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) that must be executed prior to shipment. Users agree to comply with all applicable local, national, and international regulations regarding the handling, storage, and use of biological materials.

5. Intellectual Property

All content on the Platform, including but not limited to text, data, images, logos, protocols, and software, is the property of BNERC or its licensors and is protected by intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from Platform content without prior written consent.

6. Data Usage and Research

Strain data, genomic information, and research protocols provided through the Platform are intended for research and educational purposes. Users are expected to cite CyanoVault appropriately in any publications or presentations that utilize data obtained from the Platform. Commercial use of Platform data requires a separate licensing agreement.

7. Acceptable Use

You agree not to:

  • Use the Platform for any unlawful purpose
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the Platform
  • Interfere with or disrupt the Platform's infrastructure
  • Scrape, harvest, or collect data from the Platform without authorization
  • Misrepresent your identity or institutional affiliation
  • Use biological materials obtained through the Platform in violation of biosafety regulations

8. Disclaimer of Warranties

The Platform and its content are provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any strain data, protocols, or other scientific information. Users should independently verify all data before relying on it for research purposes.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, BNERC shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Platform, including but not limited to damages resulting from the use of biological materials, reliance on Platform data, or inability to access the Platform.

10. Modifications

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

11. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with applicable laws. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be resolved through appropriate legal channels.

12. Contact

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us through our Contact page.