# Introduction

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The Unified Research data Sharing and Access (URSA) Initiative was launched in 2015 with the overall goal of ***making electronic health record (EHR) and other health data accessible and usable for research purposes across Rhode Island***. This initiative is supported by Advance RI-CTR and coordinated by the Advance RI-CTR Biomedical Informatics, Bioinformatics, and Cyberinfrastructure Enhancement ([BIBCE](https://advancectr.brown.edu/research-services/informatics-implementation-science)) Core with leadership and expertise provided by the Brown Center for Biomedical Informatics ([BCBI](https://bcbi.brown.edu/)).&#x20;

The Advance RI-CTR BIBCE Core collaborates with Brown University's Office of Information Technology and the Division of Research, including Research Integrity and Research Agreements & Contracting, and health data partners across Rhode Island to:

* Coordinate **processes** for health data sharing and secure access within and across institutions;
* Develop the requisite legal, ethical, and technical **infrastructure** between Brown and health data sharing partners;
* Establish cross-institutional **governance**, including standard policies, procedures, and protocols for appropriate sharing and use of health data; and,
* Provide **documentation** and **training** for health data requests, access, and use.

Through the URSA Initiative, the BIBCE Core provides expertise and infrastructure for conducting research using large-scale health datasets. The BIBCE Core is available to help researchers navigate the process of identifying options and solutions for storing, managing, and analyzing data from health data partners or other data sources.&#x20;

Complete Advance RI-CTR's [Service Request Form](https://advancectr.brown.edu/schedule-service-consultation) to schedule a consultation with the BIBCE Core.

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