REDCap Platform Launched at FMUL with Support from iSTARS

The iSTARS project is pleased to support the launch of REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) at the Lisbon School of Medicine (FMUL), making a widely used research data management platform available to the FMUL research community.

REDCap is a web-based application developed to support the creation and management of online surveys and research databases. It is used internationally across clinical, epidemiological, and translational research settings, allowing researchers to collect, manage, and export data while meeting high standards of data security and regulatory compliance.

A tool to support research practice at FMUL

With the introduction of REDCap at FMUL, researchers now have free access to a platform that supports the full research process, from early dataset planning to data collection, analysis, and reporting. The system is designed to be intuitive and accessible, while offering the flexibility needed for complex research projects.

REDCap enables the creation of customized data collection instruments, supports validation rules and conditional logic, and allows data to be exported directly into commonly used statistical software. These features contribute to improved data quality, reduced errors during data entry, and more consistent research workflows, particularly in collaborative and multicenter studies.

How REDCap operates at FMUL

At FMUL, REDCap is provided as an institutionally hosted and managed platform, ensuring consistent governance, data protection, and long-term sustainability. Access to projects and data is role-based, with responsibilities clearly assigned to ensure that only authorized users can view or manage research data.

Projects follow a structured lifecycle within the platform. Researchers are able to design and test data collection instruments in a dedicated development environment before transitioning to active data collection. The move to production mode is subject to verification, confirming that project structure, access permissions, and regulatory requirements are in place.

Throughout the project lifecycle, the FMUL REDCap team provides institutional oversight, including the management of defined data storage periods and the evaluation of extension requests when justified. This model supports both research continuity and compliance with institutional and legal obligations.

How to get access to REDCap at FMUL

Access to REDCap is available to members of the FMUL research community through a formal request process. User accounts and project creation requests must be submitted by the responsible researcher, who acts as the primary point of accountability for the project.

Once access is granted, researchers may begin setting up their projects within REDCap, including the design and testing of data collection instruments. Ethical approval is required before any data collection activities can begin.

Detailed information on access requests, operating procedures, and available support will be made available through the FMUL website. Researchers who require guidance on using REDCap or on institutional procedures are encouraged to contact the FMUL REDCap/iSTARS support team.

Supporting ethical and data-driven research

By promoting structured dataset design, secure data handling, and traceable research processes, REDCap aligns with best practices in data protection, confidentiality, and ethical responsibility. It also provides a solid foundation for advanced analytical approaches, including the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning methods within well-governed research environments.

The availability of REDCap at FMUL represents an important step in the iSTARS project’s ongoing work to strengthen research infrastructure and support high-quality, data-driven health research.

🔗 Learn more about REDCap: https://www.medicina.ulisboa.pt/plataforma-redcap