The Biostatistics, Biomedical Informatics, and Data Science (BIDS) program at the Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative (CTSC) of Northern Ohio unifies the expertise of Biomedical Informatics and Biostatistics & Epidemiology Research Design (BERD) into a single, integrated resource for the research community. BIDS provides investigators with end-to-end support across the full data lifecycle of clinical and translational research, from study design and data capture through analysis, interpretation, and dissemination.
BIDS is also aligned with the national CTSA Program's BIDS Enterprise Committee, a transdisciplinary body charged with advancing clinical and translational research by leveraging data, information, and computational methods across the CTSA hub network. The CTSC Northern Ohio is an active participant in this national effort, contributing to the development and dissemination of tools, methods, and best practices that strengthen research rigor and reproducibility nationwide.
Our Mission
BIDS exists to provide a stable, flexible, and comprehensive biomedical data science infrastructure of tools, processes, people, and training that enables and accelerates all aspects of translational research. We partner with investigators to transform raw data into actionable knowledge, bridging basic science discovery, clinical research, and population health.
What BIDS Brings Together
The integration of Informatics and BERD under BIDS reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of modern research data workflows:
- Biomedical Informatics provides the infrastructure and tools to capture, manage, link, and share research data, including electronic health records, biorepository data, ‘omics datasets, and real-world evidence from large clinical databases.
- Biostatistics & Epidemiology Research Design (BERD) ensures that research questions are answered rigorously through optimal study design, sound statistical methodology, transparent analysis plans, and reproducible reporting.
Together, these capabilities allow BIDS to support investigators from initial concept through funded grant, study execution, and publication.
BIDS Goals
- Provide informatics tools and statistical expertise to support and accelerate clinical and translational research
- Promote rigorous, reproducible, and transparent research practices through sound study design and analytical methods
- Educate and train researchers, trainees, and staff in biomedical informatics tools, data science methods, and biostatistical approaches
- Enable collaborative research and data sharing within the CTSC and across the national CTSA network
- Foster innovation in data-powered research by remaining responsive to evolving scientific priorities and emerging technologies
National Engagement
The CTSC Northern Ohio BIDS program actively participates in the CTSA BIDS Enterprise Committee, a national transdisciplinary forum that meets the first Friday of every month to drive collaboration across CTSA hubs, co-create scalable methods and resources, and address shared challenges in data-intensive translational science. Our team contributes local expertise to national priorities and brings emerging innovations back to our research community.
The CTSC Northern Ohio BIDS program supports the full spectrum of clinical and translational research by providing cutting-edge platforms and expert consultation. From data capture and computational biology to statistical consulting and study design, partner investigators can leverage robust resources to power their work.
Advance the scientific rigor of your research with the CTSC’s comprehensive biostatistical and epidemiological resources. Through our partnerships with the BIDS team and PQHS, investigators can access expert guidance across the entire research lifecycle. From early protocol development and database navigation to advanced modeling, we provide the tailored support needed to elevate your study from concept to publication.
Build your data science expertise through the CTSC’s hands-on training programs and collaborative events. From quarterly Big Data webinars and interactive clinical Datathons to monthly virtual open office hours and specialized trainee mentorship, we provide the learning resources and expert guidance you need to confidently master powerful informatics platforms.