[Fresh FAIR Webinar] CDEs Demystified: Tools, Updates and Best Practices for FAIR Data

Building on our previous webinar in May 2025, CDEs Demystified dives deeper into the role of Common Data Elements (CDEs) and variable-level metadata (VLMD) in advancing FAIR data practices within the HEAL Data Ecosystem. Whether or not you attended the prior webinar, this session will provide fresh insights and practical updates for all participants. This webinar begins with an overview of the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) and highlights how VLMD ensures data discoverability and integration across the HEAL Platform. We then examine how CDEs and VLMD serve as building blocks for data consistency, reduce variability, and improve cross-study analysis to support NIH’s mission for interoperable and reusable data.

Participants receive a refresher on CDE fundamentals and learn about recent advancements to HEAL CDEs that help study teams meet NIH data submission requirements. The HEAL Platform team introduces the CDE Picker, a user-friendly tool that streamlines the selection and application of CDEs for metadata tagging. The session concludes with a live Q&A featuring the HEAL Stewards, Kathy Sward from the University of Utah, and a member of the Platform Team.