AIM-AHEAD Federated Network Program
Program Directors
Paul Avillach, MD, PhD; Griffin Weber, MD, PhD; Gabriel Brat, MD, MPH; Tianxi Cai, PhD
Purpose
The AIM-AHEAD Federated Data Network seeks to empower biomedical research by establishing a decentralized, diverse data network that respects data privacy and sovereignty. With federated technology, participating sites keep data locally, opting in to securely share only aggregate results for collaborative analyses. This infrastructure, supported by AIM-AHEAD, facilitates the study of sensitive health topics, advances community health, and promotes an equitable AI/ML research environment aligned with the AIM-AHEAD North Stars.
About AIM-AHEAD
Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Consortium to Advance Health Equity And Researcher Diversity (AIM-AHEAD) is an initiative funded by the National Institutes of Health that is dedicated to enhancing diversity in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), with emphasis on reducing health disparities and promoting health equity. Led by the AIM-AHEAD Coordinating Center, this initiative has cultivated a diverse nationwide consortium that embraces equity and transparency, aimed at leveraging AI/ML to enhance health outcomes across diverse and under-resourced communities. Through the establishment of strategic partnerships, targeted research programs, and engagement with key stakeholders, AIM-AHEAD continues to bolster participation and foster meaningful involvement within the AI/ML and health equity field.
Participants
The four awarded sites with local patient-level data for the Federated Network Program—HealthPartners Institute, University of the Virgin Islands, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, and Fairview Health Services—share a unified commitment to serving under-resourced populations that experience significant health disparities. These institutions are strategically located in diverse communities, from the multicultural populations in Minnesota served by HealthPartners and Fairview Health Services, to the predominantly Afro-Caribbean community of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the urban, underserved patients of Boston cared for by Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.
This collective focus aligns with North Star IV’s mission to build community capacity and infrastructure in AI/ML, leveraging these advanced technologies to bridge health disparities and improve minority health outcomes. By equipping these institutions with AI/ML capabilities, the AIM-AHEAD program empowers them to generate insights and develop solutions tailored to the specific health challenges faced by their populations.
Cohort 1 Awardees
- Patricia Mabry: HealthPartners Institute
- Aaron Rapp: University of the Virgin Islands
- Sophia Shalhout: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
- Leyla Warsame: Fairview Health Services
Regional Distribution of Federated Network Sites - Cohort 1
Impact
The Federated Network Program focuses on AIM-AHEAD North Star (IV): Building community capacity and infrastructure in AI/ML to address community-centric health disparities and minority health. The Federated Network Program will set up the awarded four participating sites to drive transformative outcomes through tailored protocols for data curation and sharing. These protocols will be customized to each institution’s unique context, drawing on insights gained throughout the process. Collaborating closely with core team members, the awarded sites will assess their capacity to run AI/ML models locally and share resulting outputs.
As part of the second-year objectives, the sites are expected to compile and share aggregated data to address pressing research questions, enabling the broader research team to perform federated analyses. This coordinated approach aims to enhance community-based capabilities and foster sustainable, equitable advancements in health through AI/ML, particularly for communities historically underserved by mainstream health initiatives.
Program Inquiries
All questions and inquiries regarding this program can be directed to the Federated Network HelpDesk. Please create a help ticket here: HelpDesk - Submit a Ticket