View in browser

GA4GH News

Data Connect: A come-as-you-are approach to data sharing

January 10

The GA4GH Standards Steering Committee approved the Data Connect API, a standard to support federated search of disparate datasets.

GA4GH Community Spotlight: Soichi Ogishima

January 7

This GA4GH Community Post is the eighth in our monthly series featuring individuals from across GA4GH. This month we are turning the spotlight on Soichi Ogishima!

The Engagement Framework: Building inclusive engagement practices in genomics

January 6

Genomic science relies on the individuals who choose to donate their data. These can include participants of research studies and patients who may be directly impacted by research findings. As healthcare systems increasingly utilize genomics for patient care, it is important that the benefits of genomics are global, fair, and just; and the way that genomics activities engage participants, patients, the public, and other stakeholders are core to this aim.

Open for Public Comment: Beacon v2.0

GA4GH Mentions

THL Biobank’s new Beacon discovery service includes 20 million genomic variants

December 21 • Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland

The service is powered by the international standards developed under an initiative of the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH), especially GA4GH Beacon and GA4GH Passport standards that enable federated data discovery and authorization. The technology is developed in ELIXIR Beacon project in European-wide collaboration and is funded by ELIXIR. THL Biobank’s Beacon is established as collaboration between THL, CSC and ELIXIR Finland.

Facing Criticism, EHR Vendors Say They're Making Progress in Supporting Genomics

January 5 • GenomeWeb, USA

[Phil] Lindemann said that Epic has worked with its customers and with major molecular diagnostic labs including Tempus and Foundation Medicine to figure out how to bring genomic information to the point of care, following standards including those set by the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health, or GA4GH. The labs are "leading the way with how to interpret and understand genomic information for clinicians, knowing that there is this knowledge gap that will have to be closed over time," he added.

Advancing precision medicine through agile governance

January 4 • The Brookings Institution, USA

For example, the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health is developing frameworks for the responsible sharing of genomic and clinical data internationally to improve precision medicine and cancer research.