Bringing psychosis data together
The International Psychosis Epidemiology Consortium (IPEC) harmonizes data from early psychosis cohorts from several countries across the world into a virtual databank. This databank will allow large-scale (epidemiological) research on early psychosis.
IPEC is a collaborative effort where each cohort and research group contributes for the improvement of psychosis research and eventual enhancement of care for patients. Moreover, experts with lived experience guide our aims and implementation.
IPEC is coordinated by Prof. Dr. Wim Veling, University Medical Center Groningen in the Netherlands.
One virtual databank for psychosis research worldwide
A virtual databank represents the virtual integration of several databases into one. Through federated analytics, we can simultaneously analyze datasets stored on local servers. This technique allows a researcher to run statistical analysis over several datasets without direct access to individual patient data.
IPEC unites leading psychosis researchers from around the world in one shared mission: to transform diverse data into shared insight. Through collaboration and data harmonization, we are building a global infrastructure that connects cohorts, compares findings, and accelerates discovery.
Experts with lived experience (LE) participate at each stage of research, including the choice of relevant outcomes and predictors, the design of end solutions, and grant writing. Only working together with LE experts can we reach the desired impact.
Our approach
FAIR
IPEC is designed to be Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. These FAIR principles ensure that research data can be discovered, accessed under clear conditions, and combined across studies in a transparent way. By applying these standards, IPEC promotes responsible data management.
Federated Analysis
Federated analysis means that datasets stay at their local institutions but can be analysed centrally. Through federated approach we ensure privacy of individual patient data, compliance with GDPR, and ethical handling of sensitive data.
Harmonisation
Harmonisation means aligning variables and data formats across cohorts and countries. Essential for ensuring datasets are comparable and can be meaningfully integrated into the virtual databank. This process transforms diverse data into consistent insight, enabling reliable international comparisons and large-scale meta-analysis.
IPEC and collaborating cohorts
IPEC has started with two research groups from the Netherlands and Denmark joining forces to start a virtual databank. PSYCONN cohort was chosen from the Netherlands, and OPUS was chosen from Denmark. Currently, we are working on bringing cohorts from Canada, Ireland, Norway, South Korea, India, and Singapore. In the future, we plan to include more cohorts from the Global South to ensure our effort benefits patients from all over the world.
Latest research
Stay informed about IPEC’s latest developments, publications, and events. Discover new studies, conference highlights, and updates from our international research network.