Albert Einstein College of Medicine Launches Data Science Institute to Accelerate Biomedical Breakthroughs
Albert Einstein College of Medicine has announced the launch of a new Data Science Institute, a dynamic, state-of-the-art resource that will strengthen researchers' ability to harness vast amounts of data to drive biomedical breakthroughs and innovations in scientific discovery and patient care. Mimi Kim, Sc.D., professor and head of the division of biostatistics in the department of epidemiology & population health and associate director of the Harold and Muriel Block Institute for Clinical and Translational Research at Einstein and Montefiore, has been named the institute's inaugural director.
With seed funding from a $7 million anonymous philanthropic gift, Einstein joins other top medical institutions that have invested in establishing academic data science units to foster interdisciplinary collaborations and house an increasing variety of expertise, resources, and tools.
"The growing field of medical data science uses advanced statistical, computational, and informatics methods, as well as expertise in the relevant biological and clinical fields, to extract valuable knowledge and insights from data," said Dr. Kim. "Increasingly massive datasets—such as those generated from high-throughput "-omics" technologies, electronic health records, medical imaging, pathology, remote health monitoring devices, and publicly available databases—offer immense opportunities for advancing research, education, and healthcare. Our new institute will support the infrastructure and offer cutting-edge tools and academic knowledge that will make this possible."
From Hub to InstituteEinstein's Data Science Institute grew out of efforts to find data science experts, resources, and educational programs across Montefiore Einstein through the data science hub, an online information platform for the research community. Researchers, students, and trainees have used it to connect with like-minded collaborators and to access services and training opportunities.
"The Data Science Institute brings the hub to life and expands the tools our scientists, clinicians, students, and trainees need to explore complex biomedical data with the goal of preventing disease and accelerating the development of treatments," said Marla Keller, M.D., executive dean and the Jacob A. and Jeanne E. Barkey Chair in Medicine at Einstein. "The institute's enhanced programs, resources, and educational offerings will spark the creation of interdisciplinary research teams and propel innovative, data-driven approaches to addressing healthcare challenges, particularly those in the Bronx."
Planned features of the Data Science Institute include:
Key focus areas in biostatistics, bioinformatics, health research informatics, and artificial intelligence/machine learning
Collaborative research opportunities through data science working groups, seminars, and conferences
Training and educational opportunities, including new courses, workshops, tutorials, and certificate programs to develop data science skills
Initiatives to spur data science innovations, such as pilot awards for data science projects and collaborative grant proposals
Support and consultation services to assist investigators and students in navigating available data science resources and expertise.