Microcredential on Data Analytics for Cancer Real-World Data Research

October 23, 2025 · KATIE CREMIN

This autumn, Professor Áedín Culhane led the first delivery of the BM6063: Data Analytics for Cancer Real-World Data Research microcredential at the University of Limerick, running from September to October 2025.

The six-week course welcomed 20 participants, including 12 students from the eHealth-Hub for Cancer and external attendees from organisations such as the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry, Expelo Group, RCSI, the University of Galway, and the HSE.

Designed to address the rapidly evolving needs of cancer data research, BM6063 offers hands-on experience in transforming and analysing real-world health data to international standards, equipping participants with the skills needed to work within the framework of the European Health Data Space (EHDS).

Practical Learning for a Data-Driven Future

The module provides a foundation in federated data analytics, with participants learning how to transform health data into internationally recognised formats such as OMOP-CDM, SNOMED-CT, and ICD-O-3. These skills are essential for enabling cross-border collaboration and large-scale, reproducible cancer research.

Students explored key technical and ethical dimensions of secondary health data use, including data transformation (ETL) workflows, cohort building, and machine learning methods for cancer outcomes research. Tools such as White Rabbit, Rabbit-in-a-Hat, ATLAS, Vantage6, and DataSHIELD were introduced through practical exercises.

Throughout the course, participants worked in multidisciplinary teams, reflecting the collaborative nature of real-world data research. Peer-to-peer learning and cohort building were central to the experience, allowing researchers and data professionals from across Ireland and Northern Ireland to share expertise and perspectives.

Expert Contributions

The course featured guest lectures from:

Dr. Juan Ramón González, Research Professor at ISGlobal, delivered a hands-on workshop on secure federated analysis using DataSHIELD.

Maria Ryan, Programme Manager for Health Information at HIQA, gave an overview of governance and standards within Ireland’s evolving health data ecosystem.

Cathy Enright, Programme Manager at the Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, discussed data curation and clinical informatics in oncology including the DigiOne initative.

Their insights provided valuable real-world context, linking technical training to the broader challenges and opportunities in data-driven cancer research.

Building Capacity Across the Island

As part of the eHealth-Hub for Cancer’s training and capacity-building programme, BM6063 plays an important role in developing skills for the next generation of health data scientists and informaticians. By focusing on interoperability, open science, and ethical data use, the module supports Ireland’s growing participation in the European Health Data Space and contributes to national efforts to make cancer data more usable for research and innovation.