Unlocking the power of data for faster health solutions
From Joni L. Rutter, PhD — Director, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences
Finding important links among different types of data is key to bringing more treatments to all people more quickly. We have invested in new ways to connect, access, and learn from large and complex data sets. We also create and use data tools and methods in new ways to speed translational research.
Data science and informatics drive so much of our work. Activities include data-linking efforts like RARe Source for understanding and advancing treatments for rare diseases and research platforms like OpenData Portal for openly and quickly sharing experimental data. These also can be pivoted to address emerging needs. CURE ID, our collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has a new emphasis on the experiences of patients and providers with long COVID. You can learn more about how we turn data into solutions on Our Impact on Big Data page.
Two NCATS projects stand out as examples of data innovation that lead to better health. The NCATS National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C) connects de-identified data from electronic health records to provide quick and useful public health insights. Our Biomedical Data Translator (“Translator”) combines data from more than 100 public sources to find existing drugs that could be tested for new uses through clinical trials. Both projects show that using bold and rigorous approaches and team science are crucial.
