Experimental version
Category C: Experimental version
(Note that in a previous version of the IP Protection Policy an Experimental Version was defined as “an EQ-5D version or format that has been created for the purpose of a methodological research study and/or publication”. In this current version of the IP Protection Policy such an EQ-5D version falls under the category of Modified Version, See Category D.)
An Experimental Version is a category used exclusively to designate EuroQol instruments in an early stage of development by the EuroQol Group that are not sufficiently advanced to be classified as a Beta Version. Experimental Versions are not made available to users. However, the EQ Office can share Experimental Versions with researchers who are conducting Exec-approved research or with other collaborators. The following conditions apply:
- Researchers can apply to become collaborators and use experimental EuroQol instruments through the EuroQol Experimental Version Registration Form.
- Researchers are not allowed to distribute Experimental Versions beyond study sites participating in the study.
- Separate written permission must be obtained if the researcher wants to display (parts of) an Experimental Version in a publication.
- Experimental Versions must be clearly cited as ‘Experimental’ in any research output. Further guidance is provided in the Citation Guidelines March 2026.
- The Foundation cannot be held liable for any damages resulting from use of an Experimental Version.
- Once an instrument is formally released as Official, researchers are expected to request and use the Official Version for all new studies through the EuroQol Registration Form. The Official Version may be available at launch or released thereafter, depending on the language pair and mode of administration. For studies that have been conducted using an Experimental Version, the Version should continue to be cited as ‘Experimental’ in any publication, even if the instrument is launched as Official during the course of the study.