Creating a regional center to improve tribal data science and sovereignty
Official title: Northwest Regional Research Center
Funded at Northwest Portland Area Indian Hlth Bd · NIH-10978169 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working with Northwest tribes to help them learn how to collect and manage their own data, so they can lead research that fits their community's needs and supports their culture.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwest Portland Area Indian Hlth Bd NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | August 19, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $508,904 |
| NIH project number | 1OT2DA061145-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10978169 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include tribal members and community-based researchers from Northwest tribes, particularly those involved in health and prevention initiatives.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affiliated with the participating tribes or who do not engage in community-based research may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to establish the Northwest Regional Research Center (NW RRC) in partnership with Northwest tribes to enhance tribal data science and ensure data sovereignty. The project will provide real-time training for tribal members to become community-based researchers, focusing on building data infrastructure that allows tribes to access and manage their data effectively. By collaborating with five tribes, the initiative will develop tailored training plans and protocols to empower tribal staff in leading research efforts. The overarching goal is to conduct community-led research that supports culturally relevant and sustainable intervention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could empower tribal communities by enhancing their capacity to manage and utilize their own data for better health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Similar community-led research initiatives have shown success in enhancing data sovereignty and improving health outcomes in tribal populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwest Portland Area Indian Hlth Bd
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Town, Matthew Alan — Northwest Portland Area Indian Hlth Bd
- Study coordinator: Town, Matthew Alan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.