People RDC national pathfinder project: exploring federated learning tools, opportunities and resource requirements

In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) reached out to the Australian Cancer Data Network (ACDN), who had previously collaborated on a federated learning project with ARDC, to jointly develop a pathfinder project. 

• The study aims to explore the uses, needs, and challenges of federated learning in the context of sensitive health-related data, while ensuring the maintenance of privacy and confidentiality.

• Identify and establish a collaborative network among similar research groups.

• Develop suitable demonstrator artifacts to centre the dialogues around them.

This report presents the findings of this Pathfinder Project for the analysis of sensitive health-related data while maintaining privacy and confidentiality. It focuses on requirements and current experiences with federated learning. 

This project is a companion to national framework development for advanced analytics under the People Research Data Commons (People RDC) for health research and translation. Read the framework.

We welcome your feedback on the report. Your input will help us understand the views of research, policy and research infrastructure communities relating to advanced analytics in healthcare. Complete the feedback form.

Also watch a recording of our launch event for the pathfinder.