AIM-AHEAD Data and Infrastructure Capacity Building (DICB) Program
Purpose
The Data and Infrastructure Capacity Building (DICB) Program was established to develop workforce capacity and increase opportunities for under-resourced institutions to participate in the development and operations of AI and data infrastructure. The program uses a two-phased approach to develop institutional capacity in data and infrastructure and offers leading awardees to become partners with the AIM-AHEAD Coordinating Center (A-CC) that will support and supplement the activities of the Data and Research Core (DRC) and the Infrastructure Core.
Participants
Cohort 1 (Phase I & II) awardees commit to one focus area for its institutional capacity building. Four focus areas were established to drive the program’s success and expected outcomes by addressing the consortium’s need for capacity building in under-resourced institutions. Those who applied to the program focused on (1) a Research Data Repository to Host AIM-AHEAD Generated Datasets, (2) a Resource Center for Data Curation, Linkages, and Harmonization Datasets, (3) a Resource Center for Data Access and Data Governance, or (4) a Resource Center to Provide Concierge Service to Support Open-source AI/ML Tools.
The program is conducted in a two-phased approach. In Phase I, seven awardees carried out the activities needed to prepare competitive Phase II applications, including demonstrating institutional capacity in data and infrastructure through needs assessment and development of partnerships and workforce capacity. Successful Phase I awardees were invited to submit a Phase II application to the AIM-AHEAD Coordinating Center to implement their focus area, where they will work collaboratively with the other DICB funded projects.
Regional Distribution of Awardees - Cohort 1 (Phase I)
Regional Distribution of Awardees - Cohort 1 (Phase II)
Impact
By the end of the program, Cohort 1 awardees who have completed both program phases are expected to have enhanced workforce capabilities at under-resourced institutions to develop AI/ML models that address health disparities. Program graduates will participate in monthly meetings, submit regular reports, act as community ambassadors, and provide a final report detailing their achievements and outcomes that emerged from their projects.
In Phase II of the program, the four awardees are expected to contribute as AIM-AHEAD Consortium partners, integrating their activities with the other partners in the DRC and IC of the AIM-AHEAD Coordinating Center. They will provide data and infrastructure concierge services/support, workforce development, and training for the future stakeholders of the AIM-AHEAD Consortium.
Additionally, as A-CC partners, they will strategize and establish best practices for data sharing, harmonization, and AI/ML infrastructure needs of AIM-AHEAD Consortium partners and trainees and integrate access to data, infrastructure, and training content for consortium stakeholders using the AIM-AHEAD Connect Platform.
Cohort 1 Phase I Outcomes
The infographic below provides a snapshot of key metrics from the AIM-AHEAD Data and Infrastructure Capacity Building (DICB) Program for Cohort 1 Phase 1, which comprised of 7 awardees. It highlights presentations, research focus areas, and overall program achievements.
Program Inquiries
All questions and inquiries regarding this program can be directed to the DICB HelpDesk. Please create a help ticket here: HelpDesk - Submit a Ticket