Privacy Policy

Introduction

The Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute (“SCOLI,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, share, and protect information when you visit or use our website (scoli.org) and any associated services or applications (collectively, the “Services”).

By accessing or using our Services, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Services.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide to Us

We may collect information that you provide directly to us when you:

Contact us through our website
Register for events, webinars, or conferences
Subscribe to newsletters or publications
Apply for research opportunities
Participate in surveys or research studies
Make donations or contributions

This information may include:

Contact information (name, email address, postal address, phone number)
Professional information (title, institution, specialty)
Demographic information
Research interests
Any other information you choose to provide

Information We Collect Automatically

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device and usage of our Services, including:

IP address
Browser type and version
Operating system
Device information
Pages visited and time spent on those pages
Referral source
Click patterns and interactions with our website

We collect this information using cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies. Please see our Cookie Policy section below for more information.

Information From Third Parties

We may receive information about you from third parties, including:

Academic and research partners
Conference and event organizers
Medical institutions and organizations
Publicly available sources

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes, including to:

Provide, maintain, and improve our Services
Process and respond to your inquiries and requests
Send you technical notices, updates, and administrative messages
Communicate with you about research, events, programs, and other news related to SCOLI
Conduct scientific research and analysis
Monitor and analyze trends, usage, and activities in connection with our Services
Detect, investigate, and prevent security incidents
Comply with legal obligations

How We Share Your Information

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

With research collaborators and partners for scientific research purposes
With service providers who perform services on our behalf
When required by law or to protect rights and safety
In connection with a merger, sale, or transfer of assets
With your consent or at your direction

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect the security and confidentiality of your personal information. However, no Internet or electronic transmission is ever fully secure or error-free. We cannot guarantee that your information will not be accessed, disclosed, altered, or destroyed by breach of any of our physical, technical, or organizational safeguards.

International Data Transfers

As a research organization with global collaborations, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in countries other than the one in which you reside. By using our Services, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries which may have different data protection rules than your country.

Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information, including:

Access to your personal information
Correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
Deletion of your personal information
Restriction of processing of your personal information
Data portability
Objection to processing of your personal information

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the “Contact Us” section below.

Cookie Policy

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience and collect information about how you use our Services.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device when you visit a website. They allow the website to recognize your device and remember certain information about your visit.

Types of Cookies We Use

We use the following types of cookies:

Essential cookies: Necessary for the basic functionality of our website
Analytical/performance cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website
Functionality cookies: Allow us to remember choices you make and provide enhanced features
Targeting cookies: Record your visit to our website, the pages you visit, and the links you follow

Managing Cookies

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically delete existing cookies, block certain cookies, or choose to be notified when a cookie is set. Please note that disabling certain cookies may limit your ability to use some features of our Services.

Third-Party Links

Our Services may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by SCOLI. This Privacy Policy applies only to our Services. We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites or services.

Children’s Privacy

Our Services are not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe that your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will post the revised policy on our website with an updated effective date. Your continued use of our Services after we make changes indicates your acceptance of such changes.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:

Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute (SCOLI)
Department of Neurological Surgery
UPMC Presbyterian, Suite B-400
200 Lothrop Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: 412-647-3685
Fax: 412-647-0989

Effective Date

This Privacy Policy is effective as of April 23, 2025.