The mission of the Research Information Systems Consortium (RISC) is to provide the highest quality support for health and mental health research, using the most up-to-date information technology.

RISC is a partnership involving Technology and Information Systems (TIS) of the New York State Psychiatric Institute and the Data Coordinating Center (DCC) of Columbia University. The RISC Group was established to develop data-related applications for health science researchers by drawing on recent advances in information technology and data management. Current RISC projects include web-based screening programs for clinical trials and epidemiological studies, web-based project management and data entry systems for multi-site projects, and secured electronic data transfer and analysis of CT Scans.

Driven by concerns about patient safety and confidentiality, the regulatory frameworks governing collection, management, and dissemination of research data are rapidly expanding within institutions and at all levels of government. Institutional Review Boards (IRB), Data and Safety Monitoring Boards (DSMB), and Performance and Safety Monitoring Boards (PSMB) are increasingly being mandated or strongly recommended in conjunction with a variety of research efforts, particularly clinical trials. RISC is constantly exploring new technologies in the areas of database management, encryption, and secured access to meet the rigorous standards required to ensure patient safety and the confidentiality of research data.

RISC is affiliated with New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons.