Biomedical Informatics and Data Science at Institute for Informatics (BIDS@I2)

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Project Summary Biomedical Informatics and Data Science at Institute for Informatics (BIDS@I2) provides opportunities for undergraduate and masters’ students to explore the field of biomedical informatics and data science; to train future biomedical researchers in biomedical informatics and data science core competencies; to engage students in scholarly activities under the guidance of experienced informatics and data science faculty; and lastly, to foster their understanding of translating biomedical informatics research into practice. The objectives of the BIDS@I2 are to 1) expand students’ knowledge of theories and applications in biomedical informatics; 2) provide training and hands-on research experience in biomedical informatics and data science research; 3) assist students in enhancing and applying their knowledge and skills in translational science and dissemination of research findings; 4) encourage students to pursue graduate education and/or research careers through exposure to professional role models or mentors; and 5) develop and improve students’ skills in interdisciplinary teamwork and communication. BIDS@I2 offers an unique environment for undergraduate and graduate students to explore the diversity within biomedical informatics research. BIDS@I2 has the capacity to host approximately 20 students each year. We request funding from the NLM R25 Research Education Program to support 5 undergraduate and 4 masters students each year to cultivate a BIDS career pathway. We will allocate at least 67% of the R25 fund to URMs (4 undergraduate URM and 2 master URM trainees), which will comprise roughly 30% of BIDS@I2 students each year. In addition, we will recruit at least 50% of students from schools with limited resources for research. Students’ research experiences will be enhanced through our structured training curriculum: orientation, training modules, lunch and learn research seminars, mentor lab meetings, scientific presentations, and writing, as well as through interactions and collaborations with peers, fellows, and graduate trainees from multiple disciplines, such as medicine, nursing, pharmacy, psychology, public health, biostatistics, and computer science. BIDS@I2 will promote interdisciplinary collaboration in biomedical informatics, which aims to solve problems in clinical practice, individual and population health, data science, and biomedical research through the optimal use of information. BIDS@I2 will support the following areas: 1) an inclusive and supportive environment for students with limited resources and from underrepresented groups; 2) diverse research directions to accommodate students with various backgrounds and skills; 3) interdisciplinary collaboration across the spectrum of biomedical informatics and data science; 4) research projects with a long-term impact on the use of information to improve clinical practice, life science, and patient-centered outcomes; and 5) prepare students for graduate school as well as future careers in STEM research.