360° Chat-TMD Bioinformatics and Data Science Core (BDSC)

360° CHAT-TMD BDSC ABSTRACT The Bioinformatics and Data Science Core (BDSC) will serve as a central hub for the U54 Program analytics activities, including secondary data analysis, integration, and interpretation of multi-modal data from national population health datasets and Center-generated research projects. Leveraging advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL) approaches, the BDSC will identify potential therapeutic targets, develop prognostic models, perform molecular phenotyping, and enable patient stratification. Key activities include integrating genomic, imaging, and clinical data using multi-modal deep learning models, such as graph neural networks and transformers. The BDSC will also establish standardized ontologies and metadata to ensure data quality and interoperability, adopting existing frameworks like the Human Phenotype Ontology and extending them for domain-specific applications. Additionally, the BDSC will define Common Data Elements (CDEs) for harmonized data collection, with a focus on NIH HEAL Initiative CDEs for pain measures. Structured questionnaires will be designed and validated using psychometric methods, ensuring cultural and linguistic appropriateness. The BDSC will provide robust biostatistical support, including experimental design, statistical power analyses, mathematical modeling, hypothesis testing, and scientific inference to ensure rigorous 360° TMD analysis and interpretation of research data. The BDSC will collaborate with U54 Program experts including ontologists, data scientists, clinicians, and statisticians, to implement a centralized data repository and interactive visualization tools. By adhering to FAIR principles and NIH standards, the BDSC will enhance reproducibility, interoperability, and the translation of research findings into actionable insights for population health.