Research solution from the Sunshine Coast

An IT research company based on the Sunshine Coast has developed a new, open-source software solution for researchers called OccIDEAS, which launched at the 42nd annual Society of Epidemiological Research in Los Angeles.

The software, which was developed by scientists for the University of Western Australia, is designed to increase the accuracy in finding links between a person’s occupation and that person’s risk of being diagnosed with cancer.

Data Scientists managing director Troy Sadkowsky said with previous models, experts would have to read an application about work history user by user, but the OccIDEAS program sets rules and parameters that automatically organises the applications.

“A number of researchers stated that the application would have been perfect for their recent study and they wished they could have heard about OccIDEAS sooner,” Sadkowsky said.

Data Scientists is currently setting up the installation of OccIDEAS for the Breast Cancer, Environment and Employment Study in Western Australia.

“Attending the SER meeting was a great opportunity for us to see what international experts thought of OccIDEAS. We have returned with lots of potential new clients and interest in the product so we are really enthusiastic about delivering it,” Sadkowsky said.

Innovation Centre chief executive Colin Graham said in a statement it was pleasing to see innovation from Australia being recognised internationally.

“The Innovation Centre, a University of the Sunshine Coast company, is dedicated to the development of the region’s economy and companies like Data Scientists are exactly the type of businesses we work to assist in their development.”

“The Sunshine Coast needs to establish stronger knowledge-based industry because it will create local jobs and provide career paths for local young people on graduation from the university.”