New data enclave available free to Health Sciences researchers

In Greek mythology, Soteria was the goddess of safety and salvation, a protector from harm. At the University of Arizona Health Sciences, Soteria takes on a new form: a cutting-edge data enclave designed to safeguard sensitive information while empowering researchers to unlock the secrets hidden within.

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The platform was officially launched in 2024 and is being offered to Health Sciences researchers free of charge. It provides a collaborative space where researchers can securely access and analyze vast datasets, accelerating the pace of discovery and innovation.

“Soteria is a game-changer for our research community,” said Rudy Salcido, who oversees Soteria as a program manager at the U of A Data Science Institute. “It provides a secure and controlled environment where researchers can collaborate, analyze data and generate knowledge in a way that was not possible before.”

Much like its namesake, Soteria offers a sanctuary for sensitive information. It adheres to strict security protocols, ensuring compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, and other regulations that govern patient privacy. Researchers can confidently explore complex datasets that include PHI and PII – protected health information and personally identifiable information – within a secure environment that minimizes the risk of data breaches.

“Think of Soteria like a community garden with a strong wall around it, giving security to everyone inside,” said Nirav Merchant, MS, director of the Data Science Institute in the U of A Office of Research, Innovation and Impact. Merchant led the creation of Soteria as a strategic initiative of the U of A Health Sciences.“It allows experts that have developed one-of-a-kind analysis methods, tools and products to easily collaborate for deriving knowledge from large datasets, and no one needs to worry about any private data leaking out.”

From data security to research support

Soteria was designed from the ground up to prioritize the security and privacy of sensitive data. Soteria’s strength also lies in its integration of diverse and powerful research tools, some of which are unique to the U of A.

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Researchers often need to analyze sensitive datasets containing PHI and PII, and working across disciplines to analyze it securely can be difficult. One critical challenge in research involving PHI and PII is the secure transfer of large datasets. Soteria provides a robust solution with its external data transfer tool, which allows U of A researchers to securely exchange data and projects with external users. Anyone needing access to the data must sign in and authenticate with their institutional credentials before initiating any data transfer.   

This emphasis on security allows researchers to overcome the traditional barriers to accessing sensitive data.

“Before Soteria, researchers had to use an external encrypted drive containing the data they had collected. Then, they had a very restricted method to collaborate with others – using an encrypted laptop in a secure location or having to send the dataset via mail – making it impossible for seamless updates to the dataset to occur without delays,” Salcido said. “With Soteria, the data can be transferred onto the secure enclave, and collaboration happens with lab partners accessing Soteria via a secure VPN. No need to carry an external hard drive, thumb drive or laptop and have to store these items in a secure location or have to mail an updated dataset.”

Soteria is more than just a secure data repository; it’s a dynamic ecosystem designed to advance health sciences research and innovation. Salcido said Soteria can support researchers at every stage of their work with a comprehensive suite of tools for data discovery, data analysis, data visualization and more.

The platform features built-in collaboration tools that foster a culture of open science, where researchers can work together to accelerate the pace of discovery.  

“Collaboration is essential for scientific progress,” Salcido said. “Soteria provides a platform where researchers can connect with each other, share ideas and work together to solve complex problems.” 

An expanding infrastructure

For researchers, Soteria is more than just a technology platform; it’s a testament to the collaborative spirit and commitment to innovation that defines the U of A Health Sciences. As such, Soteria works seamlessly with existing U of A technology offerings. 

• High-performance computing: For research involving large-scale data processing, Soteria provides access to high-performance computing resources managed by the University Information Technology Services Research Technologies team. Soteria HPC includes the OpenOnDemand web interface, providing user-friendly access to popular applications and tools.
• Web-based data sharing: Soteria gives researchers the ability to manage and share research outputs within a team while maintaining strict access control through Posit Connect Health, a tool managed by the Data Science Institute. Posit Connect Health allows researchers to securely manage and share a wide range of data products, including reports, dashboards and visualizations created in R and Python.
• Web workbench: For researchers engaged in complex data analysis, Soteria offers CyVerse Health, which offers fine-grained access control that enables researchers to precisely manage who can access specific datasets or analysis methods. CyVerse Health supports reproducible workflows using containerization technology and integrates with robust data management platforms, including iRODS. It also provides access to valuable community data catalogues, including datasets from organizations such as the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, and supports private spaces for organizations such as Banner Health to securely share data for specific research projects.   

Soteria, developed, funded and supported by the U of A Health Sciences, expands access to research tools managed by key partners including the Data Science Institute, the Center for Biomedical Informatics and Biostatistics, and University Information Technology Services. This collaborative approach ensures that Soteria remains at the forefront of data science and technology, providing researchers with the best possible tools and resources.

“Soteria is more than just a data platform; it’s an investment in the future of health sciences research,” Salcido said. “It’s a tool that can help us to make new discoveries and improve the lives of people in Arizona and beyond.”