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Calling the Scottish Dementia Research Community - are you ready for the Bio-Hermes data challenge?
The Bio-Hermes cohort consists of 1001 deeply phenotyped participants. Diversity was an aim, and the cohort includes groups who are less often part of research. The Bio-Hermes study dataset comprises of 80,000 multimodal dementia biomarkers including data on blood biomarkers, CSF, genetics, proteomics, cognitive tests, imaging and clinical. The resource includes 15 digital cognitive tests, 25 blood based biomarkers, raw data from imaging and extensive clinical and demographic data. The Global Alzheimer Platform have made the dataset available and research teams who would like to work with Bio-Hermes data are invited to apply. We have streamlined the data access process, and all approvals and governance will be handled by our team, leaving researchers to focus on the science and the data. Teams may have exciting ideas for a project, but lack expertise in data management, analysis or data interpretation. We can help, and applicants can request support from our in-house data scientists, project managers, and panel of research leaders in dementia. Final date for submission of applications is March 31st 2024. |
Infographic summary of the data available in the Bio-Hermes resource.
In preparing your application, please refer to the researcher agreement outlining the terms and conditions for access.
Our summary brochure contains more information on the Bio-Hermes Data Challenge, its background, partners, and process. The Bio-Hermes multi-modal biomarkers were processed by differing partner organisations. Here is a list of the available biomarker data grouped by partner. These are the data ready for analysis at the moment, and more data may become available. |
To apply, complete a copy of the application before submitting your answers in this online form by March 31st 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where can I find more detailed information on the specific datasets that will be available?
Data from the Bio-Hermes study includes various types of dementia biomarkers. For more information, see the documentation available on brainhealtharc.com/data-challenge
Do I need a background or experience in dementia research to apply?
Dementia research experience is not required, in fact we are keen to involve teams with people who have not previously worked in the dementia space. Applications from collaboration groups that involve a variety of expertise are welcome. Diversity of expertise, involvement of Early Career Researchers (ECRs) and considerations for Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) are positive characteristics for shortlisting.
Do applicants need to be based in Scottish institutions?
No, applications are welcome from all institutions in the UK. However, collaborations with Scottish universities are especially encouraged. If you are interested in forming new links with Scottish teams, we are able to support principal applicants to create new collaborations.
What constitutes a "new collaboration"?
New collaborations involve two or more institutions, where the collaborators have no previous track record of partnership.
What if I work for several institutions?
In this instance, list the primary institution where you are based.
Do I need to have a detailed analysis plan to apply?
No! Generating new ideas in research is a key aim of this challenge so we encourage applicants to apply even if the analysis plan is not fully formed. As resources allow, our in-house team can support development of the research question and analysis plan.
WHAT IF I am not sure if my research question is suitable to the data
The Bio-Hermes dataset contains data on multimodal dementia biomarkers. It is an important resource, but is not suited to every research question. After application, if your question is not suited to Bio-Hermes data we will let you know. If we are aware of other datasets that could be more suitable to your research, we will signpost as appropriate.
What support can the team give me
We can help with formulating your question, managing the data, analysis and presenting the results, supporting writeup and dissemination. Not everyone will require the same type of support and we will work in partnership with your team to identify the best way we can support you. Our in-house support is limited and if applications for support are greater than the resource available we will prioritise based on ranking by our expert panel.
Is there a limit to the amount of data that I can access?
You can request as many parts of the dataset as you believe is required and relevant to your research question. The panel responsible for reviewing applications will review the relevance to your research question and make a decision regarding data access. This will be on a case-by-case basis.
If I am given access to one part of data only, can I get access to other parts of the data?
Your data access is limited to the outcome of the expert panel review.
How do I get access to the data?
The data is hosted on online workspaces by Alzheimer’s Disease Data Initiative (ADDI). If successful, the principal applicant and collaborators will be given access to an online workspace where they can remotely and securely access the Bio-Hermes datasets. This data cannot be exported outside of the online workspace for security reasons. Researchers must comply with the researcher agreement in accessing and handling the Bio-Hermes data.
How can I manipulate the data?
Software including R and Python can be used in the ADDI online workspace to perform analysis and obtain results and visualisations.
What do I do if I experience problems related to the data?
Our in-house team will provide you with documentation to support your familiarisation with the online workspace and troubleshooting support will be provided as required and as resources allow.
When can I expect to hear back about my application?
Applications close on the 31st of March 2024. Reviewing is expected to be completed within April 2024. You should expect to hear back about the outcome of your application by the beginning of May 2024.
My application was successful. What now?
Successful applications will either be granted direct access to the data, or varying levels of support from our in-house team of analysts and project managers. This will depend on both what the principal applicant requests on the application form and what resources are available.
As work progresses, am I allowed to encourage other individuals to join the new collaboration?
Building new partnerships and community of researchers is encouraged by the challenge. All collaborators on this challenge must comply with the researcher agreement and the in-house team must be made aware of any additional collaborators involved.
What happens if circumstances change and I am no longer able to complete my research project with data access only?
A: Our in-house team aims to support collaborator groups as relevant and possible. Decisions on in-house support will be made on a case-by-case basis both at the initial application stage and throughout the duration of the challenge.
Am I free to pursue any other research questions that arise from the original research question in my successful application?
A: Generating new ideas is an important aim of this challenge. However, researchers are bound by the researcher agreement and as such must obtain approval of new research questions to be pursued using this data. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
How is authorship managed in the reports and publications arising from this challenge?
All partners will be recognised in the authorship of published papers/conference platforms. Where the Brain Health ARC and data challenge in-house team have made a substantial contribution, this should be appropriately acknowledged. All partners will have opportunity to review and approve outputs before release.
