Using AI to create synthetic health data for better research and fairness
Official title: Generative AI for synthetic data: A framework to expand health data reach for research and ensure algorithmic fairness
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10984266 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on smart computer programs that create fake health records to help researchers share data safely while keeping your information private, making medical studies better and more useful for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $89,209 |
| NIH project number | 1K99LM014428-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984266 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals whose health data can contribute to the creation of diverse and representative synthetic datasets, particularly those from underrepresented populations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have health data that can be ethically used or those who are not part of the populations targeted for improved representation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced AI algorithms to generate synthetic health data that maintains patient privacy while enhancing the quality and diversity of datasets used in medical research. By creating high-fidelity electronic health record (EHR) data, the project aims to improve the performance of medical AI systems and facilitate data sharing among institutions. The approach involves evaluating and optimizing these generative AI models to ensure they can produce reliable and representative health data, ultimately benefiting various downstream applications in healthcare.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and equitable medical AI systems, improving patient outcomes and advancing healthcare research.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using synthetic data generated by AI to enhance medical research, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yan, Chao — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Yan, Chao
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.