Biomedical Research Informatics Center
- About Us
- Our Research
- Core Services
- Network & Resources
Empowering Pediatric Research Through Biomedical Informatics
The Biomedical Research Informatics Center (BRIC) is a vital resource supporting innovative research at 91´óÉñ Children’s. We provide specialized expertise, computational tools, and a robust data infrastructure that helps researchers unlock new insights and accelerate groundbreaking discoveries. Ìý
Our team collaborates with basic scientists, clinicians, and data experts across 91´óÉñ and national research networks like PEDSnet. We leverage advanced analytics, bioinformatics, biostatistics, and machine learning to uncover meaningful, actionable information from large datasets like electronic health records (EHR), genomic sequencing, and clinical observations.Ìý
BRIC plays an important role in 91´óÉñ precision medicine initiatives. Our work helps to develop disease biomarkers and identify promising treatments. We also fuel multisite clinical trials and studies aimed at improving care and health outcomes for kids.Ìý
With a world-class computational infrastructure, cutting-edge software, and specialized training, our team empowers researchers to solve complex pediatric health challenges.Ìý
Accelerating Research: By the Numbers
BRIC advances 91´óÉñ’ position as a leader in pediatric research. We offer informatics support, resources, and expertise to help investigators conduct complex, data driven projects.
13 millionÌý
Patient data points available for research studies via PEDSnet in 2023
3.5 million
Pediatric records extending to 1998
2 PB
Secure storage capacityÌý
Our center is theÌýkey interface and data site for nationally recognized, multi-institutionalÌýinitiatives.
We leverage aÌýrobust suite of specialized software, programming languages, and database technologiesto advance research.
Our high-performance computing cluster, GPU services and scalable data storage offerÌýprocessing capabilities for the most data-intensive research.
OurÌýinformatics expertise and capabilities lead to data innovationsÌýthat power new research insights
Our Leadership
Eric Hall, PhD, MBA, FAMIA
Director, Biomedical Research Informatics Center
Chief Research Informatics Officer
Research Team
Join Us
Advancing Pediatric Health Through Data Science
Our research leverages advanced informatics and data science to tackle complex pediatric health challenges. We transform vast amounts of clinical and research data into meaningful insights. Through our focus areas, collaborative studies, and funded initiatives, we drive discoveries that improve children's health care outcomes.
FocusÌýAreasÌý
Our center focuses on key areas, such as:
- Biomedical data science: Developing data integration platforms and applying machine learning to analyze pediatric health data from EHRs and multiple sources.
- Statistical innovation: Creating novel approaches for modeling health trajectories and discovering patterns in longitudinal pediatric data.
- Precision medicine: Integrating genomics, bioinformatics, and pharmacogenomics for individualized diagnostics and treatments.
- Research informatics infrastructure: Maintaining high-performance computing resources and developing specialized applications for collaborative research.
- Geospatial analysis: Combining geographic information with clinical data to understand environmental exposures and disease patterns.
- Natural language processing: Extracting meaningful data from clinical notes and patient records for comprehensive research.
- Health trajectory modeling: Tracking and predicting changes in health measures over time for individual patients and communities.
Our Approach
We accelerate translational research through multi-institutional collaborations across cardiology, pulmonology, endocrinology, oncology, hematology, perinatal health, and more. By integrating advanced analytics with clinical expertise, we empower health care providers with tools and insights that improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention for a wide range of pediatric conditions.
As a center, our overarching goals are to:
- Accelerate translational research through advanced informatics.
- Enable precision medicine for pediatric patients.
- Foster collaborative pediatric research networks.
- Provide cutting-edge computational resources and expertise.
- Integrate genomics and electronic health data for pediatric research.
- Support data-driven clinical trials and observational studies.
- Empower researchers with informatics tools and training.
Major Grants
We enable research through generous grants. This support moves us forward and allows us to meaningfully contribute to scientific discovery. We engage with many notable grants, including:Ìý
PEDSnet: A Pediatric Learning Health System
Ìý
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) for Clinical and Translational Research (CTR)
Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE): Sickle Cell
Clinical Trials & Research Studies at 91´óÉñ
Pediatric clinical trials and research studies are important for advancing medical knowledge and improving care for kids around the world. Our researchers lead clinical research to study new drugs, treatments, devices, and techniques. We also contribute to national registries and collaboratives to further research in this area. Find a clinical trial or study now.
Publications
91´óÉñ researchers constantly contribute to advancing scientific understanding. We share our knowledge, insights, and discoveries to encourage collaboration and inspire further research.
Expert Support for Pediatric Research
BRIC supports 91´óÉñ Children's researchers across the Delaware Valley, North Florida, and Central Florida regions. Through four specialized cores, we provide essential services in clinical research data analytics, research data management, biostatistics, and bioinformatics.
We offer end-to-end data management and analytical support throughout the research lifecycle, from study design to publication. Our expertise in advanced methodologies, data science approaches, and analytical software empowers researchers to achieve their objectives and drive advancements in pediatric medicine.
Our Core Services
Our comprehensive services enable cutting-edge biomedical research by ensuring robust data handling, sophisticated analytical techniques, and seamless interdisciplinary collaboration. Our core services include:
Clinical Research Data Analytics Core
- Data retrieval and management of electronic health records and national data registries
- Advanced analytics including natural language processing and geospatial analyses
- Data visualization through interactive dashboards and maps
Research Infrastructure & Data Management Core
- REDCap survey and database support
- Management and exchange of multimodal datasets
Biostatistics Core
- Study design and conduct
- Data processing and analysis
- Research dissemination support
- Training and instruction in statistical design and software (SAS, R, Python, SPSS, STATA, M-Plus, and Excel)
- Advanced statistical methodologies (linear/non-linear modeling, machine learning, Bayesian methods, survival analysis, and stochastic processes)
Bioinformatics Core
- Biological data analysis
- Pipeline development
- Custom software development
Part of Our Core Research Infrastructure
Core labs and services at 91´óÉñ provide essential capabilities that advance pediatric research. Explore additional resources available to investigators across the system.
Biobank & Molecular Analysis Program
DELAWARE VALLEY & FLORIDA
Our CAP-accredited biorepository has 15,000+ pediatric specimens, offering researchers collection, processing, compliance, storage, and analysis services.
Cell Science Core
DELAWARE VALLEY
We specialize in flow cytometry, cell sorting, cell culture, and protein analysis, allowing researchers to study conditions like cancer and autoimmune disease.
Histochemistry & Tissue Processing Core
DELAWARE VALLEY
Our core lab provides researchers with detailed tissue analysis and processing services that help advance the understanding and treatment of childhood diseases.
Collaborative Networks & Research Resources
The strength of our research lies in our connections and capabilities. Through strategic partnerships with clinical departments, academic institutions, and research networks, we amplify our impact on pediatric health. These collaborations are powered by robust computational infrastructure and specialized research tools that enable innovative, data-driven research at scale.
Research Partnerships
We expand our knowledge and leverage diverse perspectives with partnerships and collaborations within and outside our field of study.Ìý
Internal Partners
Internally, we partner closely with 91´óÉñ clinicians and researchers:
- Cardiology: Carissa M. Baker-Smith,ÌýMD, MPH
- General Surgery:ÌýLori Gurien, MD
- Hematology/Oncology: David Brousseau, MD
- Otolaryngology: Evie Landry, MD
External Collaborations
Moving beyond our walls, we collaborate with recognized academic institutions and national institutes. This expands our reach and advances innovation for the collective good of children everywhere. We currently work with:
- , Wilmington, Del.Ìý
- , Dover, Del.Ìý
- , Philadelphia, Pa.
- (PCORI)
- Ìý
- , Orlando, Fla.
- , Newark, Del.
- Gainesville, Fla.
Research Resources
Our center maintains state-of-the-art computational infrastructure and specialized research tools to support complex pediatric research. From high-performance computing to advanced analytics software, we provide the technical foundation that enables innovative data science, bioinformatics, and clinical research.
Computational InfrastructureÌý
We have significant computational power and data storage capacity to support demanding pediatric research projects, including:
- High-performance computing cluster with significant GPU capacity for genomic analyses, predictive modeling, speech processing, and deep learning.
- Dedicated web/computing and database servers with substantial processing power and storage.
Research Tools & Technologies
Our center leverages a wide range of specialized software, programming languages, and database platforms to advanced data management, integration, and analysis, including:
- Statistical/analytics software: SPSS, SAS, R, Bioconductor
- Programming languages: Python, R, C/C++, Java, etc.
- Database technologies: MySQL, PostgreSQL, REDCap