Understanding the legal aspects of using data science for health in Africa
Official title: DS-I Africa - LAW
Funded at University of Kwazulu-Natal · NIH-10680448 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the laws around using data science to improve health research in Africa, and it aims to help scientists understand these rules so they can safely and effectively use data without running into legal problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kwazulu-Natal NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durban, South Africa) |
| Project start | September 15, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $388,639 |
| NIH project number | 5U01MH127690-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10680448 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are health researchers and scientists working on data-driven health projects in Africa.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in health research or data science initiatives may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the legal dimensions of employing data science to enhance health discovery and innovation across Africa. It aims to provide clarity on the laws governing data use in health research, which can often be complex and vary by jurisdiction. By developing practical guides for scientists, the project seeks to ensure that health research projects are legally compliant, thereby preventing potential legal issues and resource wastage. The research will cover multiple African nations and address critical legal themes relevant to data science in health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could empower scientists to conduct health research more effectively and legally, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes in African communities.
How similar studies have gone: While the legal aspects of data use in health research have been explored in various contexts, this specific focus on African jurisdictions and data science is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kwazulu-Natal
Durban, South Africa Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thaldar, Donrich Willem — University of Kwazulu-Natal
- Study coordinator: Thaldar, Donrich Willem
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.