Digital Mega-Studies as a New Research Paradigm: Governing the Health Research of the Future. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bell, Jessica; Prictor, Megan; Davenport, Lauren; O'Brien, Lynda; Wake, Melissa
• Is Part Of: Journal of empirical research on human research ethics. Volume 16:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 344
• Page End: 355
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: Digital Mega-Studies -- health -- research -- data -- governance -- law -- trust -- participation; Medical ethics -- Research -- Periodicals; Research -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Periodicals; 174.205
• DOI: 10.1177/15562646211041492
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1556-2646

Abstract

'Digital Mega-Studies' are entirely or extensively digitised, longitudinal, population-scale initiatives, collecting, storing, and making available individual-level research data of different types and from multiple sources, shaped by technological developments and unforeseeable risks over time. The Australian 'Gen V' project exemplifies this new research paradigm. In 2019, we undertook a multidisciplinary, multi-stakeholder process to map Digital Mega-Studies' key characteristics, legal and governance challenges and likely solutions. We conducted large and small group processes within a one-day symposium and directed online synthesis and group prioritisation over subsequent weeks. We present our methods (including elicitation, affinity mapping and prioritisation processes) and findings, proposing six priority governance principles across three areas—data, participation, trust—to support future high-quality, large-scale digital research in health.