National Clinical Cohort Collaborative (N3C)

N3C is a national resource of real-world data that researchers are using to speed medical research. With stewardship from NCATS, more than 75 institutions worked together to build N3C. N3C systematically collects data derived from electronic health records from different institutions and harmonizes these data into data enclaves. The enclaves offer spaces for collaborative research. In addition, the enclaves can connect to other data sets, which creates a more complete picture of health outcomes. Initially created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, NCATS is piloting the use of the original N3C infrastructure for additional health conditions. We know that the data in the enclaves represent people. As the steward of the data, we take the responsibility for keeping those data safe very seriously. We have taken a comprehensive approach to address the security of the N3C COVID Enclaves and protect patient privacy.