For Researchers

The BHDB Portal is a user-friendly and comprehensive online platform designed to facilitate access to the diverse array of data and resources stored within the BHDB. This portal provides researchers with a centralized hub where they can explore, search, understand, and download the datasets available for their research endeavors.  

The BHDB Portal offers an intuitive interface that enables researchers to navigate through different data types, review metadata, and gain insights into the content and scope of the data stored within the BHDB. The BHDB Portal also often includes visualization tools, making it easier to comprehend complex data through interactive graphs. By providing an in-depth overview of the available data, the BHDB Portal empowers researchers to make informed decisions regarding the data they need for their studies and aids in the formulation of research protocols. 

Yes, after gaining necessary approvals, researchers can conveniently download datasets directly from the BHDB Portal. This streamlined process ensures that approved researchers have access to the data required for their studies. 

The first step is to register as a user for the BHDB Portal. To register as a user, provide the information requested here (link forthcoming). 

The BHDB contains a diverse and comprehensive range of data that collectively contributes to advancing research in the field of brain health. This data encompasses multimodal types of information, including but not limited to:  

• Survey Responses 
• Cognitive Assessments 
• Clinical Data  
• Biological Analyses 
• Genetic and Molecular Data 
• Imaging Data, including neuroimaging data 
• Data from wearable devices 

The BHDB aims to provide a holistic view of brain health by integrating these diverse data types. Researchers can access and analyze this data to gain insights into brain-related conditions, develop new treatments, and make meaningful contributions to the field of brain health research. 

No, the BHDB can encompass data beyond human data. In addition to human data, the BHDB can hold animal data, pre-clinical data, and synthetic data. By incorporating these different types of data, the BHDB aims to create a comprehensive resource that supports research across various facets of brain health, including studies that involve animal models, experimental research, and data simulations. This diversity of data enhances the potential for breakthrough discoveries and a better understanding of brain health and related conditions. 

The BHDB is governed by the BHDB Steering Committee, which is composed of various members including CAMH leaders, clinicians, researchers, and patient representatives. The committee is responsible for overseeing the management and use of the BHDB, and ensuring that all research is conducted ethically and within legal and regulatory guidelines. 

The Data and Biosample Access Committee (DBAC) is responsible for deciding which researchers can access the data and biological samples in the BHDB. The DBAC includes representatives from various research areas, including patient advocacy, research ethics, privacy, and members of the community impacted by the research. The DBAC is responsible for reviewing requests from researchers who want to access the data and biological samples in the BHDB, and assess any ethical, legal, and privacy considerations. If a request is approved, the BHDB will work with the researcher to provide the information they need to apply for Research Ethics approval. 

To contribute your research study data to the BHDB, you must be a CAMH Researcher. You can also contact the BHDB Liaison by email at brainhealth@camh.ca. They will provide you with the necessary guidelines, policies, and procedures for obtaining consent from participants (for human research data) and for data submission.  

It's important to ensure that your data adheres to ethical standards and meets the requirements set by the BHDB. By adding your data to the databank, you contribute to a secure, valuable resource that advances brain health research. 

Access to datasets within the BHDB is available to researchers (both at CAMH and beyond) who have a legitimate research purpose. This typically involves submitting a research proposal and detailing your intended use of the data. The proposal is then reviewed by the BHDB Data Access Committee and your institutional REB to ensure alignment with ethical guidelines and research objectives. Upon approval, you will be granted access to the datasets relevant to your research study. 

To access data within the BHDB for your research, the initial step involves exploring summaries of the available datasets through the BHDB Portal and its Explorer Dashboard. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the types of data and information present in the BHDB. Subsequently, you can create a research protocol tailored to your specific research questions.