The Office of Data Resources and Analytics (ODRA)

Investing in data infrastructure and facilitating access to shared behavioral and social science data resources for aging and Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD) researchers is a key priority of NIA’s Division of Behavioral and Social Research (BSR). The division supports a range of data infrastructure projects in the United States and around the world, such as the Health and Retirement Study global family of studies; the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project and the National Study of Caregiving; Add Health; the National Health and Aging Trends Study, and many others. BSR also supports data harmonization projects, like the Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol, and data archives and repositories, such as the National Archive on Computerized Data on Aging and the Gateway to Global Aging Data.

The Office of Data Resources and Analytics (ODRA) in BSR was established in 2021 to accelerate the development and translation of aging and AD/ADRD research by establishing data infrastructure and services that facilitate access to data and analytical environments at NIA.

ODRA’s Major Activities

Data Linkage and Accessibility

• Advising NIA leadership on new developments in data analysis, linkage, and sharing methods.
• Providing access to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data, which includes research identifiable files, linked data sets, and a free online platform for data analysis.
• Visit NIA’s guidance for CMS identifiable files and policy implementation.
• Visit Medicare & Medicaid Resource Information Center (medric.info) to gain access to the online platform.
• Facilitating access to a library of consents from longitudinal and large survey studies.

Data Archiving and Common Data Elements

• Participating in NIA- and NIH-wide data initiatives and harmonization programs, which includes developing common data elements.
• Advising  data archiving and harmonization grants and agreements.

Data Quality, Access, and Sharing

• Collaborating with NIH staff and researchers to inform and improve data quality and access.
• Contributing to NIH-wide data initiatives and harmonization efforts as well as the development and use of common data elements at NIA. Coordinating and streamlining NIH Data Sharing Policies within the NIA to ensure up-to-date best practices.
• Evaluating data usage trends and scientific impact of NIA data projects.

Program Contacts

• Director and Chief Data Officer: Partha Bhattacharyya
• Deputy Director: Janey Hsiao
• Health Specialist: Irim Azam
• Contractor: Nate Hoffman
• AAAS Fellow: Rebecca Krupenevich