LSHTM Open Data Kit

Open Data Kit (ODK) is a set of software tools that allow data collection in field studies using Android smartphones and tablets. 

LSHTM Open Data Kit has been set up to help scientific researchers use ODK in their projects. This service is available on a pay-what-you-can basis to anyone working at LSHTM, or collaborating with LSHTM researchers on bona-fide research that can benefit global health. This includes studies focussed on human health, one-health, environmental and ecological research; as well as public health interventions, outbreak response and clinical trials. ODK has applications in both qualitative and quantitative research.

The cornerstone of this project is a 256bit encrypted ODK server hosted at LSHTM which allows researchers to submit data electronically from anywhere in the world to a safe and secure server environment.In order to minimise costs to the end user, we also host a ‘device library’ of smartphones, tablets, power-packs and other hardware. The ODK working group provides unlimited access and technical support. One to one training, technical support and advice on data analysis is also provided. 

The founding philosophy of the project was to provide a low to zero-cost cross-faculty service, aimed primarily at PhD and MSc project students undertaking research in the field at LSHTM. It is now open to all LSHTM staff members and student and in 2017-18 the ODK team aims to expand the service to members of the LCNTDR. We are also happy to work with third parties who represent groups outside the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and we invite interested groups to contact us at odk [at] lshtm [dot] ac [dot] uk to discuss how we can support their work.

The LSHTM Open Data Kit group has supported many projects focussed on NTDs. Full details can be found at http://opendatakit.lshtm.ac.uk/projects/