Frequently Asked Questions

What expectations does SPARC have for researchers?
Do I need to fill out the Request SPARC Support form?
Do I need to fill out the Request Statistical Support form?
How do I obtain a cost estimate?
How long does it take to get access to UPDB data?
What options do I have for data storage?
Will I have access to my data?
I want to get started. How do I get in the queue to have my data analyzed?
How long does it take to get data access?
Who do I contact with questions?

• What expectations does SPARC have for researchers?
  • To request SPARC support, you will need to fill out our REDCap survey. We expect you to have background knowledge prepared and your research question formulated. You will also need to have funding information. Programming and data use fees are associated with most of our datasets. Most projects have a minimum cost of about $1,000. You will either need approval from your division chief, internal funding, or external funding. (Internal funding may come from U-Inquire or pilot grants.)
  • We expect you to be responsive to IRB/RGE questions as they arise. Ultimately, we will need you to provide the following information for your IRB application:
    • Identify study staff
    • Hypothesis and aims
    • Background and introduction
    • Cohort criteria, (e.g. ICD codes) including controls and relatives
    • Recruitment plan, if relevant
    • Study procedures, broken down by aim
    • Populate the Data Access Table, with help from our regulatory coordinator
      • This includes identifying data sources, data elements, and scientific justification.
    • Comorbidity information
    • Risks and benefits of research
    • CV
• Do I need to fill out the Request SPARC Support form?
  • If this is your first time working with SPARC, then yes. If the request is for an existing study, then you should complete the Task Request Form.
• Do I need to fill out the Request Statistical Support form?
  • If you plan to use the Population Health Research (PHR) Foundation, then yes. The PHR includes five cores:
    • Study Design and Biostatistics (SDBC)
    • Cancer Biostatistics Resource
    • Qualitative, Survey and Measurement (QSM)
    • Health Economics Core
    • Systematic Review Core
• How do I obtain a cost estimate?
  • A cost estimate requires a short meeting with a SPARC team member. To prepare for this, have a complete set of specific aims and identify your data sources.
• How long does it take to get access to UPDB data?
  • The RGE/IRB application process takes roughly 2-6 months. (Note: for prepared investigators with clear aims, this process is much smoother.)
• What options do I have for data storage?
  • For large datasets, you should use the Center for High-Performance Computing. For small datasets, UPDB offers virtual machines for storage.
• Will I have access to my data?
  • Yes, all IRB-approved study staff will have access to the data.
• I want to get started. How do I get in the queue to have my data analyzed?
  • After completing our request form, you will automatically be put in the queue. Prioritization is based on project deadline and grant funding.
• How long does it take to get data access?
  • It depends on the data set. Please contact Rupam Das for additional information.
• Who do I contact with questions?
  • For internal assistance with the RGE/IRB application: Rebecca LeFevre
  • For external assistance with the RGE/IRB application: Jennifer West
  • For project-specific questions: Rupam Das