The AHEAD Institute nurtures the growth of SLU researchers from various disciplines through comprehensive research support services, shared resources, and networking and learning opportunities. To help accomplish the goals of SLU's diverse body of researchers, the AHEAD Institute team invests time and expertise in each individual research project.
How We Help
When you have questions about how to execute components of your research project, we assign a faculty or staff member to work alongside your research team. We dedicate time to understanding the clinical context and health impact of your research so that we can best serve you. Our individualized services may include conversations about project planning or study methods. In other cases, our services may include data pulls from EPIC or power and feasibility analyses.
The AHEAD Institute works with almost twenty different SLU departments within the School of Medicine, School of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Social Justice and more. Our research outputs and the testimonials of our collaborating investigators showcase our unique ability to apply our expertise to exciting research conducted in all fields.
To utilize our data and research support services, please complete a .
Shared Resources
The AHEAD Institute warehouses several large databases and assists in identifying, obtaining and maintaining data. SLU faculty can use this data to answer relevant research questions.
Many databases are de-identified and using them has been deemed non-human subjects research by the Saint Louis University Institutional Review Board. Other databases require data use agreements and special training.
The newest addition to our data warehouse is the All of Us Research Program from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Thanks to our partnership with the All of Us Research Program, any individual with a health.slu.edu email address can sign up online to access data snapshots. Register for the All of Us Research Program and start accessing data snapshots today!
REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) is a secure web application for building and managing online surveys and databases. REDCap can be used to collect virtually any type of data.
For survey design and implementation support, SLU investigators should refer to REDCap's free training resources located on their website. Alternatively, the AHEAD Institute offers REDCap survey design, build and implementation support at a rate of $150 per hour.
Networking and Learning Opportunities
We work to bridge the gap between our available resources and the researchers who can truly benefit from them. Through a blend of in-person and virtual events, we give you the chance to learn from experienced professionals and to build meaningful connections that can support your research journey.
Whether it is an informal conversation or a structured consultation, these opportunities are designed to help you grow and access the knowledge and tools you need.
We encourage all SLU researchers to connect with our faculty and staff. Together, we can strengthen the collective research efforts of the SLU community. Contact us at ahead@health.slu.edu to explore how we can impact your research.