Introducing Prometheus 42: Elevating Secure Data Research at OU
The Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (IPPRA) is proud to launch Prometheus 42 (P42), a pioneering Secure Data Enclave (SDE) at the University of Oklahoma. This new infrastructure places OU alongside leading institutions that are redefining how sensitive data is accessed and analyzed—safely, responsibly, and creatively.
Enhancing Both Security and Innovation
As the volume and sensitivity of data in the social and behavioral sciences continue to grow, so does the urgency of robust data protection. Data types, such as personally identifiable survey responses, educational records, and demographic data now fall under increasingly strict regulatory oversight—raising the bar for compliance and accountability.
But protecting data should never mean paralyzing research. In fact, the best security frameworks are designed not to constrain researchers but to empower them—to enable bold, collaborative inquiry within responsible boundaries. That’s the promise of Secure Data Enclaves.
P42 addresses this challenge head-on by offering a controlled, compliant environment that facilitates access to sensitive datasets without compromising rigor or creativity. It opens the door for advanced research methods—from AI-assisted analysis to complex statistical modeling—while meeting the highest standards of data security. In this way, Prometheus 42 is not just a protective measure; it’s an enabler of the next generation of collaboration-based public policy research.
A Strategic University Investment
Prometheus 42 is more than a technological upgrade—it’s a university-wide commitment to the future of secure, high-impact research. Made possible through a close and sustained partnership between IPPRA and OU IT, this initiative reflects a shared vision: that security and innovation must advance together.
OU IT played a critical role in designing and implementing the technical infrastructure behind P42, ensuring it meets the highest standards for both protection and usability. Their expertise and collaboration have helped create not just a tool, but a foundation—a robust set of systems, policies, and support structures that will enable secure, collaborative research for years to come.
Core Architecture and Capabilities
Prometheus 42 is built to support sensitive research without compromise—delivering a secure, researcher-friendly environment that meets today’s demanding data standards. Key features include:
Symbolic Foundations
The name Prometheus 42 reflects the dual commitments at the heart of this initiative: advancing knowledge and doing so responsibly. Prometheus—the bringer of fire in Greek mythology—represents the power of insight and the gift of knowledge, a nod to our belief that secure data access can and should fuel discovery. The number 42, borrowed with a wink from a beloved work of fiction, stands for the pursuit of deeper meaning through inquiry, analysis, and rigor.
Together, Prometheus 42 signals our mission: to empower researchers with the tools they need to ask hard questions, find real answers, and do it all within a framework of trust, ethics, and security.
Enhancing OU’s Research Profile
Prometheus 42 significantly expands IPPRA’s capacity to lead and collaborate on high-impact research across the country—especially in areas where data sensitivity has previously limited participation. By investing in this secure, high-performance environment, OU strengthens its position as a national research leader in public policy, social science, and beyond.
P42 unlocks new opportunities for OU to:
We invite researchers, centers, and potential collaborators across OU and beyond to connect with IPPRA and explore how our experience with Prometheus 42 can support your work. Whether you're managing sensitive data or developing cutting-edge methods, P42 is designed to help you do both—securely, and without compromise.
Looking Ahead
Prometheus 42 marks a milestone in OU’s research evolution—one that balances the realities of data security with the urgency of discovery. As data grows in scale, complexity, and sensitivity, so too must our ability to steward it responsibly. With P42, IPPRA and OU IT have built not just a system, but a foundation for the future—one that enables researchers to ask ambitious questions, pursue meaningful answers, and do so with confidence. We’re excited about what’s possible and eager to partner with those who share our commitment to secure, collaborative, and forward-thinking research.
