The Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) has generated a comprehensive, standardized, longitudinal set of clinical, biological and imaging data unique to the Parkinson's disease (PD) field and ripe for novel and innovative exploration. Study sponsor The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) seeks to stimulate analysis of this robust dataset while offering an opportunity for cross-disciplinary collaboration. By casting an open call to a rapidly expanding network of computational scientists, data scientists and neuroscientists, MJFF aims to gather new insights into PD diagnosis and progression. In an effort to assist analysts who may be unfamiliar with Parkinson's disease, MJFF has established a team of subject matter experts to collaborate with applicants as they analyze the PPMI dataset. These PD experts will assist in understanding the rationale for the challenge questions and the nuances of the data set components.
Develop a quantitative model to answer one of the following questions:
- What factors at baseline predict clinical progression?
- What are the sub–types of Parkinson's disease?
The PPMI Data Challenge offers $50,000 in total prizes, awarding a $25,000 cash prize to the most comprehensive and applicable answer to each question. GE Healthcare, a PPMI industry partner, and MJFF each are providing $25,000 for the prizes.
Parkinson's is highly variable, with age of onset, rate of progression, and type and severity of symptoms different across the 5 million worldwide living with the disease. Identifying models for prognosis and sub-typing would aid in subject selection for clinical studies and design of trials toward novel therapies.
Applicants will submit a Submission Template (five pages maximum) containing:
- Analytical methods used for addressing the specific challenge question
- Statistical analysis or model detailing the predictive accuracy
- Impact of the analysis
- Additional supporting figures, images and code (optional)
The submission template is intentionally broad, as MJFF hopes to encourage creativity in analyzing the data and answering the challenge questions.
Consistent with the spirit of PPMI, any algorithms, inventions or discoveries made using the PPMI dataset are subject to the PPMI Data Use Agreement. We expect these algorithms to be shared with MJFF and the research community. Organizations with existing background IP may maintain their IP, while using the PPMI dataset as a tool for validation.
The Data Challenge Review Committee, comprising MJFF staff and a team of external reviewers, will convene to review applications and determine the winner of each challenge question. The Review Committee will include experts in statistics, data science and Parkinson's disease research and will judge submissions based on the following criteria:
- Relevance/suitability of answering questions
- Methodology of analysis
- Predictive accuracy of statstical model and algorithms
- Impact, relevancy and usability in PD research
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 7, 2016 | Challenge Launch |
| June 21, 2016 | Informational Webinar |
| September 7, 2016 | Submissions Due |
| November 2016 | Announce Prize |