SMPH Informatics & Information Technology supports data-driven discovery across the School of Medicine and Public Health. The program provides secure infrastructure, institutional applications, data lifecycle tools, affiliated research programs, and compliance support for NIH data sharing requirements.
Support Throughout the Research Lifecycle
Research Planning & Compliance
- Access IRB support and submission guidance via ARROW
- Access SMPH-specific templates to prepare Data Management and Sharing Plans (DMSPs) – (NetID Login Required)
- Request a consultation for support on with study design, protocol development, and recruitment planning
- Complete required trainings: CITI UW Human Subjects Protections, Cybersecurity Awareness, HIPAA Privacy & Security
Accessing Clinical and Research Data
- Request clinical and registry data through approved workflow
- Utilize de-identification processes and the Honest Broker service
- Review Data Access Policies (NetID login required) for compliance
Computing & Analysis Environments
These environments support secure, scalable, and compliant research across SMPH. From high-performance computing to data transfer and storage, these platforms are designed to meet the technical needs of data-intensive research.
Platform X
A HIPAA- and NIST-compliant cloud computing environment hosted in Microsoft Azure.
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Isolated project environments with encrypted storage
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Supports in-place analysis using R, Python, and more
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Integrated with Globus, Azure Data Factory, and Bastion
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Designed to enable multi-source data integration and national data sharing
Platform R
An on-premises high-performance computing (HPC) environment optimized for large-scale analytics.
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Free to use for SMPH researchers
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2408 CPU cores, 25 TB memory, and 400 TB of scratch storage
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Connected to campus storage systems, including ResearchDrive
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Designed for future HIPAA compliance
SMPH Data Commons
A HIPAA-compliant, cloud-based environment hosted on Platform X that enables:
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Access to curated EHR, genomic, and public health data in OMOP CDM format
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Secure collaboration and analytics within the SMPH research community
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Visualization tools like ATLAS and cBioPortal
Secure Data Storage Solutions
Choose a storage option based on your data classification level:
Compare Storage Options (NetID login required)
| Classification | Tool | Cost | Purpose |
| Restricted | Platform X | Varies | HIPAA-compliant compute & storage |
| Restricted | Platform R | Varies | |
| Restricted | ResearchDrive | 25TB free, $120/TB/yr | Secure file storage, inputs/outputs |
| Sensitive | S3 Object Storage | 50TB free, $60/TB/yr | Scalable backup, application storage |
| Internal | OneDrive | Free | General academic collaboration |
Need help choosing a storage method? Contact SMPH IIT
Data Sharing & Management Resources
- Use Globus for secure, high-volume research data transfers. Learn more (NetID login required)
- Data Transfer and Use Agreements: https://rsp.wisc.edu/contracts/dtua.cfm
- Data Management and Sharing Policy Guidance (NetID login required)
- Sample language, budgeting guidance, and templates
- Direct consultation: dmsp@med.wisc.edu
Data Retention & Destruction
- Follow retention guidelines for regulated data (minimum 7 years)
- Use approved destruction protocols for PHI
- Reference: UW-4032 and NIST 800-88r1 guidance
News
Informatics News
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