SYNAPSE Project
Synthetic Healthcare Data Platform for Data Science - Providing skills development and mentored research projects using synthetic healthcare data generated by MDClone
Project Overview
Health data driven science and discovery
The Synthetic Healthcare Data Platform for Data Science (SYNAPSE) Project is an NIH funded initiative involving partnership between University of Rwanda (UR), African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL), and MDClone, with participation from four DS-I Africa programs.
The program provides skills development and mentored research projects using synthetic healthcare data generated by MDClone. Training includes hands-on experience with the MDClone ADAMS platform, peer mentoring from expert users, and semester-long research project experiences with scientific publication expectations.
Project Details
- Duration: 3 years (September 2023 - July 2026)
- Funding: USD 600,000
- Agency: UR-SPIU
- Platform: MDClone ADAMS
Key Focus Areas
- Synthetic Healthcare Data Training
- MDClone Platform Skills Development
- Mentored Research Projects
- Data Privacy & Ethics
- Scientific Publication Support
Project Objectives
Comprehensive training and research using synthetic healthcare data
Training in Synthetic Healthcare Data
UR/AIMS/UCT program faculty will be trained in the use of MDClone software through short (1-2 day) beginner/advanced courses. Training includes hands-on experience with synthetic data and peer mentoring from MDClone ADAMS expert users at WUSTL.
Mentored Research Projects
Deliver immersive, semester-long research project experiences using synthetic healthcare data. Trainees will be paired with faculty mentors and expert MDClone ADAMS users to complete research projects with scientific publication expectations.
Program Evaluation
Continuous evaluation of short-term training and semester-long research projects by trainees and faculty. Evaluations are used to improve the program over time and ensure quality outcomes.
Training Activities
Workshops and hands-on training in synthetic healthcare data
Workshop on Use of Synthetic Data
Comprehensive workshop introducing participants to synthetic healthcare data, its applications, and the MDClone ADAMS platform. The training provided hands-on experience with synthetic data generation and analysis.
Opportunities for Healthcare Research Using Synthetic Data
Workshop presented at the 3rd Annual DS-I Africa Scientific Meeting. Objectives included discussing DS-I Africa training programs, introducing synthetic data for health research, and exploring training opportunities in Rwanda.
MDClone ADAMS Platform Training & Hackathon
Intensive training for faculty (n=6) and first trainee cohort (n=8) on MDClone ADAMS Platform. The hackathon training was conducted alongside DS-I Africa 3rd annual networking meeting in Kigali.
Workshop Gallery
Moments from our training workshops and panel discussions
Workshop Speakers (Left to Right): Randi Foraker, PhD (DST-HIRWA, WUSTL); Eric Remera, PhD (DST-HIRWA, Rwanda Biomedical Center); Philip Payne, PhD (DST-HIRWA, WUSTL) presenting on synthetic healthcare data applications
Moderated Round Table Discussants: Featuring experts from DST-HIRWA, DS-I Africa Coordinating Centre, WUSTL, Rwanda Biomedical Center, UZIMA-DS programs, and AIMS discussing synthetic healthcare data opportunities and challenges
Workshop Participants: 120+ researchers from across the DS-I Africa Consortium participating in the synthetic data training workshop at Kigali Serena Hotel
Interactive Q&A Session: Workshop participants during question-and-answer period with NIH team and international participants, fostering collaborative learning and knowledge exchange
Partner Institutions
Working together to advance synthetic healthcare data research
University of Rwanda
Washington University
in St. Louis
African Institute for
Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)
MDClone Platform
DS-I Africa
Consortium
Rwanda Biomedical
Center
Project Team
Connect with the SYNAPSE project leadership
Prof. David K. Tumusiime
Principal Investigator
+250 788 749 398