With the FinHITS project, Findata is developing its Secure Processing Environment (SPE) to better meet the needs of health data users. We spoke with Hannu Vilpponen, Head of ICT at Findata, about the key developments underway as part of FinHITS Work Package 7 (WP7) and how they will benefit SPE users.
What is the FinHITS WP7 all about?
Work Package 7 is dedicated to enhancing Findata’s Secure Processing Environment (SPE) to better support large datasets, advanced analytics such as AI, and meet the requirements under the European Health Data Space (EHDS).
Our focus is on developing ready-to-use tools and proof-of-concept solutions that improve functionality, efficiency, and compliance.
Findata’s Secure Processing Enviroment consists of:
- Kapseli, an SPE provided by Findata for data users
- Data transfer services Tunneli (former Nextcloud) and Supertunneli
- Findata’s internal SPE for data processing before relase to Kapseli
What new services or tools are being introduced?
Several new features are either in production or under development:
Supertunneli: This new data transfer solution for large datasets is already being rolled out. It significantly reduces the manual effort required when handling massive files, particularly for projects utilising AI or machine learning.
Anonymity verification tool: Currently in testing, this tool streamlines the review process by reducing manual steps, helping us respond more quickly and with fewer errors.
Licence management tool: Scheduled for release later this year, this tool will provide better control and tracking of software within the SPE.
Federated computing feasibility study: We are conducting a study on federated computing, a method that allows data to be analysed without moving it from its original location. This capability will be essential for enabling secure, cross-border research projects under the EHDS, where datasets remain within national infrastructures but can still be utilised collaboratively.
Enhancing computational power: To increase computational power cost-effectively, we will initially test the use of dynamic GPUs for Findata’s employees.
“In Work Package 7, we’re developing concrete improvements to Findata’s secure processing environment to make it more flexible and easier to use. Much of that work is now turning into new tools and features for our users.”
Hannu Vilpponen, Head of ICT at Findata
How are user perspectives being taken into account?
All development is based on user feedback collected through surveys and workshops. This feedback has been crucial in identifying the key challenges our users face, such as difficulties with large data transfers, performance limitations, and manual result verification processes.
How does WP7 prepare for the European Health Data Space (EHDS)?
We’re making sure that the SPE is ready for the EHDS by aligning our systems with its requirements. This includes supporting controlled access, ensuring that only anonymised results are extracted from the SPE, and exploring the infrastructure needed for federated analysis.
What challenges have you faced during development?
During development, we faced challenges with scheduling. For instance, the building and testing of the Supertunneli involved five different organisations, and it was necessary to have technical experts from all these organisations available simultaneously. Coordinating this was quite difficult and required meticulous planning.
What’s next?
Our next steps include finalising the licence management tool, continuing the piloting of the anonymity check tool and drafting use cases for federated analysis. We will also keep rolling out the Supertunneli. These efforts will help us scale the SPE’s capabilities and support data users even more effectively.
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Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Health and Digital Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.