Microdata for Population Dynamics and Health Research

University Of Minnesota, Minneapolis MN

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

Project Summary IPUMS is a family of nine integrated databases that comprise the largest and most intensively used data resource for research on population dynamics and health. IPUMS provides three forms of data access to the research community. One mode of data access is through a web-based data dissemination system; this form of data access requires advanced data analysis skills, adequate computing, and specialized research software. Another form of data access is provided via an online data analysis tool; this form of data access lowers the barriers to using IPUMS data but does not currently provide access to all of the features of the web-based data dissemination system. The parent project proposes to redesign data access, including enabling analyses of data requested via the data dissemination system in the online analysis system. The result will be an enhanced online analysis tool and broader researcher access to the full suite of features available in the IPUMS web-based data dissemination system. Given the ambitious goals of the parent award, a private cloud computing solution using local resources was the most feasible approach. The purpose of this competing revision proposal is to enhance the cloud-computing component of the project by exploring and testing the suitability of and costs associated with providing researchers access to the online analysis system. The project includes two major activities. First, the project will provide primary support to create and manage user-specific research environments in the cloud. Second, the project will support assessments of the costs of cloud computing in two public cloud computing environments based on a suite of tests intended to mimic different researcher usage scenarios. The long-term objectives are to build a data infrastructure that operates as efficiently as possible while best serving the needs of the research community. IPUMS reduces costs for the population and health research community by minimizing redundant effort, simplifying data access, increasing the replicability of studies, and improving data reliability. The availability of large-scale integrated microdata has opened extraordinary new opportunities for fine-grained contextual analyses of population dynamics and health, resulting in transformational research across a diverse range of topics and disciplines.