Frequently Asked Questions

---

MIRACLE (Multidisciplinary Imaging Research and Collaborative Library Alliance) is a secure medical imaging data repository based at Curtin University. We provide a platform for researchers to store, manage, and share medical images for collaborative studies.

MIRACLE functions like a professional radiology platform, allowing for secure image storage, powerful keyword-based searching, and batch export for further analysis. We are designed to facilitate high-impact medical imaging research by making it easy to manage your data.

We can accept DICOM images from any source, including CT, MRI, nuclear medicine, and ultrasound scans.

Any clinical or research study with imaging data can potentially collaborate with MIRACLE. We are designed to support a wide range of projects, from individual investigator-led studies to large-scale, multi-site research initiatives.

Data access is strictly controlled to ensure privacy and security. You will have complete control over access to your data.

• Your Project or Study: A dedicated user group ensures that only authorised personnel from your project can access your data.
• Wider Research Community: With your direction, explicit approval and appropriate ethical and governance clearances, images could be made available for other investigator-led projects.
• Controls and Comparators: Images imported into MIRACLE could be used as controls or comparators for other analyses or studies within MIRACLE, but only with appropriate approvals and consultation with your research group.

All DICOM images imported into MIRACLE are de-identified using our bespoke system. A unique MIRACLE ID (MID) is generated, which can be stored in your study's main database. This ensures that only de-identified data is stored within MIRACLE, protecting patient privacy.

Our infrastructure is subject to regular penetration testing and security updates through Siemens Healthineers to ensure the highest level of security.

The MIRACLE project is a not-for-profit initiative. There is no cost to submit images to the database.

However, a fee structure applies for the extraction of data to cover our storage and operational overheads. The cost depends on the volume of data requested. For academic and not-for-profit research groups, this pricing is designed to cover costs plus a small overhead.

We also have a separate, commercially-competitive pricing model for industry partners, which allows us to invest in and maintain the platform. Please contact us for a detailed discussion to get a tailored quote for your project.Add an answer to this item.

To begin the collaboration process, please reach out to us via our contact page. We will guide you through the initial steps, including:

1. Ethics and Governance: Discussing the ethical requirements for your project.
2. Technical Requirements: Detailing the image file formats and technical specifications for submission.
3. Data Ingestion Plan: Creating a plan for secure and efficient transfer of your image data.

MIRACLE holds overall research ethics committee (REC) approval from the WA Department of Health and Curtin University.

Studies wishing to import images will be required to demonstrate local REC approval for the storage and use of their data. The MIRACLE team can provide templates and explanatory text to simplify your REC submissions.

We have a clear recommended authorship and acknowledgement policy that follows the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) guidelines.

There is an expectation that you will appropriately acknowledge the use of the MIRACLE data platform in any research output, including publications, presentations, and reports. This acknowledgement is crucial for our continued funding and sustainability.

MIRACLE is led by an established project governance structure, including an Operational Project Management team and a Steering Committee with national representation of senior clinicians and research leaders.