The cloud model of data sharing has led to a vast increase in the quantity and complexity of data and expanded access to these data, which has attracted many more researchers, enabled multi-national neuroscience collaborations, and facilitated the development of many new tools. Yet, the cloud model has also produced new challenges related to data storage, organization, and protection. Merely switching the technical infrastructure from local repositories to cloud repositories is not enough to optimize data use.


To explore the burgeoning use of cloud computing in neuroscience, the National Academies Forum on Neuroscience and Nervous System Disorders hosted a workshop on September 24, 2019. A broad range of stakeholders involved in cloud-based neuroscience initiatives and research explored the use of cloud technology to advance neuroscience research and shared approaches to address current barriers. This publication summarizes the presentation and discussion of the workshop.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
1 Introduction and Background
2 Harnessing Cloud-Based Technologies to Advance Neuroscience Research: Select Current Initiatives
Part 1: Cloud-Based Technologies for Neuroscience Research: Challenges and Potential Solutions
3 Protecting Privacy in the Cloud
4 Managing Data and Promoting Interoperability in the Cloud
5 Assigning Credit, Determining Ownership, and Licensing Data in the Cloud
6 Governing, Funding, and Sustaining Cloud-Based Platforms
Part 2: Different Types of Neuroscience Data: Challenges and Potential Opportunities
7 Clinical Trial and Research Data
8 Genetic Data
9 Neuroimaging Data
10 Real-World Data
11 Future Directions
Appendix A: References
Appendix B: Workshop Agenda
Appendix C: Registered In-Person Attendees