Imaging Data Exchange (INDEX)
A large amount of imaging data is necessary to train artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms. Such algorithms can help radiologists and pathologists make faster and better diagnostic decisions. Unfortunately, the teams that develop these algorithms often don’t have access to sufficient diverse, representative, and high-quality medical imaging data to train their AI/ML models well. If the algorithms they create are biased or inaccurate, they won’t be suitable for clinical use.
Advancing Clinical Trial Readiness (ACTR) Initiative
The Advancing Clinical Trial Readiness (ACTR) Initiative, led by ARPA-H’s Resilient Systems Office (RSO), aims to transform clinical trials by developing a robust, efficient, and decentralized trial infrastructure. The core focus of the effort is to create the tools, network, and infrastructure necessary for decentralized and on-demand clinical trials that would enable 90% of eligible Americans to participate in clinical trials within 30 minutes of their home. This includes automating data extraction and synchronization between Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and case report forms (CRFs), standardizing data collection, and enhancing patient enrollment and retention, particularly in underserved and non-traditional sites. By developing technical approaches that facilitate a “network of networks,” ACTR will enable Contract Research Organizations (CROs) to interoperate and extend into different non-traditional sites, geographies, and underserved populations, making clinical trials more accessible, representative, and cost-effective.
Emerging Health Innovators Initiative
ARPA-H’s Emerging Health Innovators (EHI) Initiative aims to increase access to government research funding and address health care gaps in the U.S. for early career investigators and community innovators. The EHI Initiative began with a Network Survey (closed for submissions) to learn about their specific needs, challenges, and concerns. Survey responses will inform a forthcoming funding solicitation, anticipated to be available in late 2024.
ARPA-H intends the solicitation to offer two funding tracks:
Technology-driven Innovation (track 1) supports early career investigators in developing innovative health technologies.
- Eligible applicants: early career researchers, with less than 10 years from appointment at an academic or research institution across the U.S.
Community-center Innovation (track 2) empowers community innovators to develop technology that addresses specific community needs.
- Eligible applicants: community innovators, including but not limited to community health care workers, medical professionals, nurses, social workers at community health centers, and/or non-profit organizations.
Future EHI awards would generally be in the form of cooperative agreements or other transaction agreements, not research grants. Exact award amounts depend on meeting aggressive milestones, typical of the ARPA-H model.