The UWDC offers a comprehensive suite of services to support research involving sensitive, confidential, and proprietary data—including robust support across the entire data management lifecycle, from acquisition and secure storage to curation, analysis, reporting, and reproducible research practices that enable innovative, secure data-driven inquiry.
Our services include:
What is dCollab?
dCollab is the UWDC’s Secure Data Enclave—a modern, server‑based equivalent of a virtual “cold room.” It provides a controlled Windows‑based computing environment where approved researchers can work with restricted, confidential, or proprietary data that cannot be stored in standard IT environments.
Designed to support high‑security research workflows, dCollab:
- Hosts sensitive and restricted‑access data throughout their entire lifecycle
- Provides a secure virtual desktop for analysis using state‑of‑the‑art statistical and computational tools
- Supports large‑scale analytical workloads through high‑capacity storage, powerful processors, and ample RAM
- Enables simultaneous multi‑user remote access, while blocking all external network connections (e.g., internet, email, external drives)
dCollab is aligned with NIST 800‑171, HIPAA, and FERPA security and privacy requirements and is formally:
- Approved by the UW Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP)
- Endorsed and reviewed by the UW Office of Information Security (OIS) and UW Information Technology
- Authorized to host Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), NIH Controlled‑Access Data, and federal and state confidential administrative data
Working in partnership with these units, UWDC ensures that dCollab maintains institutional‑grade security, compliance oversight, and stewardship, allowing researchers to access sensitive data responsibly while advancing rigorous, high‑impact scholarship.
How does dCollab protect the data it hosts?
dCollab offers a security framework that meets recognized industry standards for safeguarding sensitive data. The environment is aligned with NIST 800-171 cybersecurity requirements as well as with HIPAA and FERPA security and privacy standards.
Technical Safeguards
- Encryption at rest and in transit to protect data during storage and transfer
- Managed access controls and identity authentication to ensure only authorized users gain entry
- Isolated network segmentation to prevent unauthorized connections
- Continuous active monitoring and vulnerability management to detect and mitigate risks
- Human-vetted data transfers to prevent exfiltration and unauthorized disclosures
The environment is protected by a University of Washington-managed commercial firewall, providing robust perimeter defense.
Physical Security
dCollab is housed in a secure server colocation facility on the UW campus with:
- Key and PIN-based physical access controls
- Continuous video surveillance
- Environmental monitoring systems
Operations are managed by experienced Information Technology and Security professionals.
What can approved users expect when working in dCollab?
Researchers approved for access to dCollab will work in a virtual Windows Desktop environment equipped with:
- A full suite of tools for secure data analysis and research workflows
- Which software
- Controlled processes for file transfers, which are logged, reviewed, and approved or denied by UWDC personnel to maintain compliance and prevent unauthorized data movement
Please note that all human subjects research conducted in dCollab or using UWDC resources is subject to federal human subjects regulations as administered by the UW Office of Research Human Subjects Division. For guidance on whether your research requires Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval or qualifies for an “exempt” determination, visit Do I Need IRB Review?
- Development, negotiation, and execution of data sharing/use agreements
- Assistance with security and data management plans
- Ongoing compliance monitoring and reporting
- UWDC IT Director is an OSP-approved signatory a recognized signatory for restricted data contracts with OSP.
Expert support. We simplify compliance for researchers and guarantee accountability for data providers through 4 specialized areas of expertise.
- Data Agreement Specialists—Assist with drafting, negotiating, and managing data sharing agreements to ensure clarity and compliance.
- Information Security Specialists—Control and audit data ingress and egress, manage secure data destruction, and enforce strict security protocols.
- Information Technology Specialists—Provide proactive technical support to keep systems secure and up to date.
- Statisticians and Scientific Consultants—Offer guidance across all stages of research, from design and data management to analysis and reporting.
- Access to high-value datasets hosted by UWDC or other organizations
- 24/7 remote access via secure VPN and two-factor authentication
- Virtual Windows Desktop environment equipped with a full suite of statistical software
- {Link to Explore Data Resources at UWDC}
- {Link/button to Request to Use Existing Data}
- Support for interdisciplinary and collaborative research partnerships
- Project onboarding and technical support
- Training and consultation for new users
- Development of strategies and tools to address data challenges:
- Data curation
- De-duplication
- Imputation of missing cases
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Record linkage and merging
- Consulting on research design and analytic strategies, leveraging the statistical, demographic, and econometric expertise of CSDE
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- Code repository
Service Agreement and Cost Estimate
Before accessing our services—whether for hosting, data acquisition and access, or expert support—the first step is understanding your needs and defining how we can best support you. We begin by developing a service agreement and a cost estimate that reflect your unique needs. This agreement promotes transparency, aligns expectations, and builds the foundation for a strong and collaborative relationship.
Our goal is to make the process straightforward while ensuring accountability, security, and sustainability. Contact us to discuss your project.
Please note that using our services may require:
- Acknowledging our support in research products
- Participating in regular project updates to maintain compliance and system integrity
- Supporting research that advances open access and shared knowledge
- Adhering to our security standards
By requiring reporting on data use and outcomes, we help sustain services for user communities and ensure ongoing access to these valuable resources.