The BIGDATA Center uses a Tri-Core Integrated Research Process—comprising the Administrative, Data Capture and Integration, and Methods Cores—to receive, review, and resource your project needs.

These cores harness digital health data from devices like smartphone apps and wearable activity devices (including FitBit, Apple Watch, and others), alongside informatics, real-world data, and advanced analytics, to improve outcomes for patients diagnosed with rheumatologic, musculoskeletal, and skin diseases.

Administrative Core

The Administrative Core will provide state-of-the-art informatics tools for rheumatologic and musculoskeletal disease investigators, prioritize impactful science, and facilitate knowledge translation and dissemination of findings to the research community, patients, clinicians, and policy makers. It will ensure that the needs of UAB researchers, trainees, and partners are met while overseeing the Pilot and Feasibility project program (P&F) and the Scientific Enrichment and Education Program.

Methods and Health Informatics (MHI) Core

Toward the overall goal of providing methodologic support and education, the BIGDATA Methodologic Core has gathered a diverse team with expertise in biostatistics, bioinformatics, clinical informatics, statistical genetics, epidemiology, health economics, and cost effectiveness.  The breadth and depth of this team’s expertise, accessible through multiple venues, ranges over clinical trial and other types of study design, power calculations and sample size simulations, efficient database design, database management, analysis of large data sets including global gene expression, genome-wide genotype, next-generation sequencing (NGS), microbiome, and metagenome data, image analysis, biosensor data analysis (mobile health), observational study design and analytic approaches appropriate for observational studies (case-control matching, propensity score methods), cost effectiveness research,  and health informatics.

Dissemination, Implementation, and Community Engagement (DICE) Core

The DICE Core will integrate recent technological advances in biosensors, wearable devices, and smartphone technologies to enable monitoring of physiological parameters both within and outside traditional healthcare settings. These tools, through passive data capture (e.g., step counts, sleep patterns) and active data capture (e.g., patient-reported outcomes), extend research beyond traditional spaces, empowering investigators and underserved individuals to participate in clinical studies. The DCI Core will integrate these new data sources with existing electronic health records and biospecimen repositories, fostering innovation and overcoming barriers in digital technology integration for rheumatologic and musculoskeletal disease research.

Tri-Core Research Process

Investigators must follow a structured three-step process to request a BIGDATA consultation.

Step One — Request a BIGDATA Consultation.

Step Two — Complete Initial Review and Resource Need Assessment

Step Three — Executive Committee Review and Personalized Resource Plan