Research Informatics

Research informatics, information tools, technologies, services and supports, enable multi-faceted research activities and facilitate the development of innovative research initiatives. 

The FoMD and University offers many research informatics options:

General Support

Information Services and Technology (IST)
  • IST provides a wide range of IT services to members of the University of Alberta, including hardware and software related services and support.

Services & Resources

Data Analytics Research Core
  • The Data Analytics Research Core (DARC) provides high-performance computing (HPC) in a secure environment for health data. This helps researchers to meet the privacy and security requirements of health information custodians, thus enabling appropriate access to health data for research.
Cybera
  • Cybera provides the University of Alberta with a high-speed cyber infrastructure to distribute information, communication and computing technologies for researchers across Alberta.
Data Archiving
  • NACTRC can help to support data archiving. Studies approved by Health Canada require archiving for 25 years; archiving requirements for other studies are determined by local legislation, with a typical period of 5 years.
  • Contact: Simon Wong
Electronic Data Capture 
  • REDCap, available through WCHRI, is a secure, web-based application for electronic data capture to support research projects such as surveys, chart reviews, clinical trials and longitudinal cohort studies.
  • Contact: Rick Watts
Research Data Management
  • The University of Alberta Libraries provides research data management services to collect, organize, disseminate and preserve the intellectual output of the University of Alberta.
  • Contact: data@ualberta.ca
Research Computing
  • The Research Computing Group within IST helps researchers incorporate advanced research computing (ARC) and digital research infrastructure (DRI) into grant applications.
  • Advanced computing and data-intensive workflows are increasingly a critical aspect of all research disciplines and the RCG is here to help with digital research needs for anything beyond a phone, tablet, laptop or desktop.
  • The expected outcomes of an initial DRI grant consultation are to clarify the ARC research workflows; identify the DRI needs for the project and identify appropriate resources for follow up. When applicable, researchers will be connected with IT and ARC expertise available locally, regionally, and nationally.
  • Request a consultation: email Carol Ladner-Keay, Grant Advisor (cladner@ualberta.ca) or IST (ist@ualberta.ca); call IST (780-492-9400); or submit a self service request.