Challenges of Scientific Data Management for Large Epidemiologic Studies

The U.S. National Cancer Institute's Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG) conducts population-based and interdisciplinary research to discover the genetic and environmental determinants of cancer. Many DCEG studies are large, multi-institutional, and long-term with national and international study sites involved in the multiple research steps. Current information technology challenges involved in such epidemiological studies include: (1) management and harmonization of a multitude of data types (demographic, environmental, biospecimen, laboratory, analytic, molecular, etc.); (2) unprecedented amounts of data; (3) efficient data mining to derive insights into disease etiology; and (4) secure collaboration between study management systems. If not adequately addressed, all of these challenges will increase the cost of performing studies and decrease the speed of publication. DCEG is examining current data management practices to better utilize recent advances in information technology to enhan...