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The Research IT and Data Governance group supports the technology and data needs of VA researchers. The team helps researchers get secure access to data, find the right places to store it, and connect to the computing resources they need. It guides the use of information systems, sets clear rules for handling data, and works with partners across VA to keep research safe, consistent, and reliable.
The mission of the Research IT and Data Governance group is to help VA researchers use data in a safe and effective way that supports better care for Veterans. The group guides data access, storage, and computation, and helps researchers follow clear rules that protect private information.
VA research follows strict privacy and security rules at every stage. Sensitive information stays protected through approved systems and controlled access. The Research IT and Data Governance group helps researchers follow these rules so data is handled in a safe and consistent way. This protects Veterans while allowing researchers to carry out studies that improve care.
The Research IT and Data Governance group strengthens the research process by making data safe to use. Clear rules and secure systems help researchers study real-world problems that affect Veterans. Better data access supports faster answers and stronger health outcomes.
ITDG often supports researchers through common, repeatable scenarios.
A researcher may need VA data but is unsure whether to request access through VINCI, a research repository, or another system. ITDG helps assess the research need and routes the request to the appropriate program.
A research team may need to store sensitive data and determine which storage option meets VA security and privacy requirements. ITDG helps guide that decision so data is handled safely and consistently.
Some projects require coordination across multiple programs, such as data access, computation, and EHR integration. ITDG helps align those efforts so researchers can move forward without navigating each system in isolation.
VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure (VINCI)
VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure (VINCI) provides secure access to VA data and high-performance computing environments for research. This enables researchers to analyze large, complex datasets and develop new methods at scale. ITDG helps researchers determine when VINCI is the right environment for their work and guides them on how to request and use VINCI resources appropriately.
VA Information Resource Center (VIReC)
The VA Information Resource Center (VIReC) offers guidance on using VA data and understanding available data sources. This enables researchers to make informed decisions about which datasets best fit their study design and research questions. ITDG works with VIReC to help researchers navigate data options and align data use with governance and privacy requirements.
ORD Research Repositories
The ORD Research Repositories Program manages large research data collections intended for reuse and long-term value. This enables data to be stored securely, accessed in a controlled way, and used consistently across studies when permitted. ITDG helps researchers understand when repository use is appropriate and how repository access fits within broader data governance rules.
Office for Sustainment and Implementation of Research EHR Solutions (OSIRES)
The Office for Sustainment and Implementation of Research EHR Solutions (OSIRES) supports the use of electronic health record data in research. This enables researchers to work with clinical data while maintaining required safeguards and consistency. ITDG coordinates with OSIRES to help researchers understand EHR data pathways and approved access options.
VHA Data Portal
The VHA Data Portal serves as a central entry point for researchers seeking access to VA data resources. This enables researchers to identify relevant systems, services, and points of contact more efficiently. ITDG helps researchers use the Data Portal as part of a broader strategy for data access and governance.
Researchers typically engage with ITDG when they are determining how to move a project forward within VA systems. This may include deciding where data should be stored, which computing environment fits the research need, or how to coordinate access across multiple platforms.
ITDG helps researchers navigate these decisions by clarifying available options, aligning requests with governance requirements, and connecting teams to the appropriate partner programs. This support is intended to reduce uncertainty early in the process and help projects proceed using approved and consistent pathways.
Full instructions, forms, and workflows are available on the ITDG SharePoint site. Copy and paste this address into your browser:
🌐 https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/vacoorditdg (VA network access required.)
For questions or support, email the VHA ORD IT and Data Governance Support at 📧VHAORDITSupport@va.gov. For repository access or guidance, email the ORD Research Repositories Program at 📧 ordresearchrepository@va.gov.