(last updated Mar 3, 2025)

Welcome to the Global Research Imaging Platform (GRIP) Help Center. This page provides information on GRIP’s features, how to get started, and troubleshooting tips for common issues.

What is GRIP?

GRIP (Global Research Imaging Platform) is a virtual ecosystem designed to accelerate research in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and beyond. It enables researchers to discover, access, and analyze datasets, biosamples, and computational tools in a secure and collaborative environment.

Key Features:

• Data & Biosample Discovery – Find and access metadata and datasets.
• Secure Workspaces – Run analyses in a controlled environment.
• Research Workflows – Reuse pre-existing workflows or build your own for data processing.
• Data Sharing & Governance – Manage access requests and governance policies.
• Advanced Analytics & AI Tools – Utilize machine learning models for research.

Getting Started

1. Creating an Account

• Go to the GRIP platform homepage.
• Click “Sign Up” and complete the registration process.
• Verify your email to activate your account.

2. Searching for Data & Biosamples

• Use the Catalog Search tool to browse available datasets.
• Apply filters for cohort type, imaging modality, and metadata tags.
• View dataset summaries and metadata before requesting access.

3. Requesting Access

• Submit a Data Access Request (DAR) through the platform.
• If biosamples are needed, submit an Expression of Interest.
• Track the status of your request via the “My Requests” dashboard.
• When approved, interact with the data in secure workspaces or download them (based on policy and DUA terms)

4. Setting Up a Secure Workspace

• Approved users can select an existing secure workspace or request a new one.
• The workspace allows data analysis while adhering to governance policies.
• Access Jupyter Notebook, RStudio, and other tools within the workspace.

5. Running Workflows & Analyses

• Use pre-built research workflows or create your own.
• Upload your data and run workflows within the Trusted Research Environment (TRE).
• Use Jupyter or R Studio to conduct your analysis or build models.
• Export results following data governance policies via Airlocking.

User Roles & Personas

GRIP serves a diverse group of users, including:

• Researchers & Data Scientists – Discover studies, datasets and biosamples using the GRIP catalog and analyze them in secure workspaces using GRIP workflows.
• Data Owners & Stewards – Share datasets via GRIP and administer access.
• Module Developers – Build and integrate your research tools, pipelines and modules.

Each role has specific permissions and access levels within GRIP.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who can use GRIP?

GRIP is designed for Alzheimer’s disease researchers, data scientists, and other stakeholders involved in medical and imaging research. Future expansions may include research in other diseases.

Q: How do I get access to a dataset?

You must submit a Data Access Request (DAR) through the platform. Once approved, the dataset will be available in your secure workspace.

Q: Can I upload my own datasets?

Yes, data owners and contributors can upload and share their datasets following GRIP’s data governance policies.

Q: What tools are available in the workspaces?

GRIP provides secure research environments with tools like Jupyter Notebook, RStudio, Windows and Linux VMs and GRIP Workflows.

Q: How do I request technical support?

For technical support, please contact .

Support & Troubleshooting

For issues related to account setup, data access, or workspace functionality, reach out via .