# ECHO DAC (Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes Data Analysis Center)

> **NIH NIH U24** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $500,000

## Abstract

The complementary expertise and resources of Johns Hopkins University and RTI International are combined
as the NIH Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Cohort Study Data Analysis Center
(DAC). A DAC with expertise in informatics, epidemiology and biostatistics is essential for effective longitudinal
and multi-level analyses to elucidate the influences of life course environmental and social exposures, and
genetic susceptibility on pediatric health and adverse outcomes, with attention to solution-oriented research.
System enhancements, a secured computing environment, and experience with on-boarding sites will facilitate
an efficient, and effective transition from the first cycle (ECHO1) into the next cycle (ECHO2). DAC’s familiarity
with existing ECHO sites and data enables continued productivity concurrent with implementation of ECHO2.
DAC uniquely offers deep experience in developing innovative methods for analyzing data combined from
disparate sites, as evidenced in ECHO1. DAC will broaden access and useability of ECHO Cohort data to the
scientific community. To help drive the next generation science in pediatric research, expertise in
epidemiology, statistics, informatics, pediatric outcomes, environmental exposures, and genetics is synergized
to realize these specific aims: 1) Provide a secure, uniform and flexible central framework for data capture and
storage and tracking of biospecimens, and to ensure high data quality and fidelity; 2) Provide statistical and
epidemiological expertise in the design, analysis, and interpretation of research proposals, develop innovative
and novel analytical methods where needed, and conduct analyses under direction of relevant content area
scientists to enhance the scientific rigor and reproducibility of ECHO products; 3) Enhance research
infrastructure, integrate data standards to support findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR)
principles to accelerate data sharing; 4) Use an organizational, reporting, and accountability structure for
optimal internal governance of the DAC and interaction with other components of the ECHO Cohort Study that
will enhance transparency, accountability, and clear communication. The proposed enhancements, tools, and
methods development for collecting, combining, and analyzing individual, geographic, family, and social data
will be key in making ECHO the premier resource for impactful epidemiological studies of pediatric health.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11145396
- **Project number:** 3U24OD023382-09S1
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Diane J Catellier
- **Activity code:** U24 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $500,000
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2024-08-01 → 2025-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11145396

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11145396, ECHO DAC (Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes Data Analysis Center) (3U24OD023382-09S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11145396. Licensed CC0.

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