About CHIME (Center for Health Informatics Mobilizing Experts in Illinois)

Leveraging the student and faculty resources of the University of Illinois to help public health agencies with data-driven solutions

Public health agencies, both locally and globally, continue to face challenges in making data-driven decisions across a variety of health crises, including ongoing pandemic responses, chronic disease management, and healthcare system improvements. However, these agencies often lack sufficient staff with the specialized data science skills needed to effectively analyze and interpret complex health data.

The University of Illinois, home to over 50,000 students with strong technical and professional expertise, is uniquely positioned to help meet these needs. Many students are eager to apply their skills to real-world public health problems but may not know where to start or which projects will have the most impact.

In response to these challenges, the Center for Health Informatics (CHI) has expanded its CHIME in Illinois initiative, which initially began as a COVID-19 response effort. This ongoing collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), and other global and local public health partners connects agencies with student teams that have the technical expertise to address specific data analysis needs. Under the guidance of CHI faculty members, these student teams work on high-impact projects that help public health agencies harness data for improved decision-making and better health outcomes.

For more information, please visit our FAQs:

Looking to submit a project?

Click the following link to access our project submission form: go.illinois.edu/CHIMEProjects

Interested in participating as a volunteer?

Please fill out our Student Interest Form: go.illinois.edu/CHIMEStudentInterest

Need more information?

Please contact us at chime-in@illinois.edu.