Data Management and Analysis Core

University Of Iowa, Iowa City IA

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY: DATA MANAGEMENT AND ANALYSIS CORE The Iowa Superfund Research Program (ISRP) tackles a highly complex issue that requires a well-integrated systems approach. The Data Management and Analysis Core (DMAC) will provide the expertise, tools, and workflow optimization to support and maximize ISRP research results and impact. The DMAC and project leaders will develop tailored Priority Analysis Plans with rigorous Quality Assurance to assure accuracy, precision, representativeness, comparability, and reproducibility using appropriate statistical and analytical methods. As a result, ISRP projects will make high-impact discoveries, publish in high-quality journals, and provide timely scientific guidance to stakeholders regarding PCBs in the environment and their effect on human health. DMAC will have five Specific Aims: 1) sustain and enhance data stewardship, FAIR-aligned data sharing, and quality assurance for all ISRP projects and cores; 2) support ISRP projects and cores with embedded expert statistical guidance and contributions; 3) develop novel statistical methods and associated software for data analytic challenges that impact all ISRP projects, cores, and affiliated sciences; 4) support the Research Experience and Training Coordination Core by providing guidance, resources, events, and instruction on data science and informatics to trainees and investigators; and 5) provide integrative data management and analytical foundations for research integration across the ISRP. Activities proposed under DMAC Specific Aim 3 address the Superfund Research Program (SRP) mandates 2 and 3 which call for novel statistical methods and tools to support detection and risk assessment. Activities under Specific Aim 5 address SRP mandates 1, 2, and 4 by integrating data and methods from across the ISRP into cost-effective solutions and strategies to comprehensively assess and reduce population-scale PCB risks to human health. This work represents a unique opportunity to align existing resources to support interdisciplinary research. With the help of our University of Iowa partners, the DMAC will be an early adopter of proven enabling approaches and technologies for data management, data-sharing, reproducible research workflows, and informatics investigation and training. DMAC will lead the application of biostatistics and informatics to support and optimize ISRP research. We will provide expert staff, platforms, policies, and research support for all ISRP projects and cores throughout the research process, including training and methods to maximize research outcomes, applied solutions, replicable products, and sound evidence-based decision support. DMAC’s activities will enhance full ISRP integration and catalyze effective development, refinement, application, and sharing of innovative solutions generated by ISRP interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary PCB research. DMAC’s centralized services, platforms, and policies, along with innovative new methods, will yield economies of scale in effort and cost for data management, processing, sharing, analysis, and training.