FAIR Data
Accelerate Biomedical Discovery with FAIR Data Resources and Best Practices
April 15, 2024 ALL TIMES EST
The FAIR Data symposium is expected to shed light on the FAIR landscape of data repositories and knowledgebases that form the foundations of biomedical, behavioral, and health-related research facilitating data sharing, analysis, and knowledge generation. Participants can expect to gain an understanding of the various resources and their unique value in the larger universe of data resources along with the services they provide and collective impact on accelerating scientific discovery to improve healthcare outcomes, and empowering researchers and practitioners across domains. Additionally, the Symposium provides an opportunity to network and identify collaborations to develop common capabilities and infrastructure amongst data resources.

Sunday, April 14

Registration Open

Monday, April 15

Registration and Morning Coffee

Organizer's Remarks

Chairperson's Remarks

Ishwar Chandramouliswaran, Program Director, Office of Data Science Strategy, NIH , Program Director , Office of Data Science Strategy , NIH

HOW FAIR IS FAIR?

How FAIR is FAIR Enough?

Photo of Vinay C. Desai, PhD, MBA, Senior Director Regeneron IT, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Sr Director Regeneron IT , Regeneron IT , Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Vinay C. Desai, PhD, MBA, Senior Director Regeneron IT, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Sr Director Regeneron IT , Regeneron IT , Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Photo of Michael Georgiadis, Principal Scientific Business Analyst, Research IT, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Principal Scientific Business Analyst , Research IT , Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Michael Georgiadis, Principal Scientific Business Analyst, Research IT, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Principal Scientific Business Analyst , Research IT , Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Photo of Michael Livstone, PhD, Scientific Data Curation Lead, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Scientific Data Curation Lead , Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Michael Livstone, PhD, Scientific Data Curation Lead, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Scientific Data Curation Lead , Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Photo of John McLoughlin, Associate Director IT, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Associate Director, IT , Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
John McLoughlin, Associate Director IT, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Associate Director, IT , Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

We have begun an effort to make our data FAIR, building from the principle that metadata should be collected once ("born FAIR") and then transmitted wherever it is needed.  We weighed the pros and cons of several approaches against business needs and adopted an Agile approach to building and evolving FAIR systems for instrument files. One major consideration was how much FAIRness is required to achieve adequate, scalable usability.

FAIR RESOURCES

Data Repository Attributes—FAIR Repositories

Photo of Michael Witt, Head, Distributed Data Curation Center, Purdue University , Head, Distributed Data Curation Center , Purdue University
Michael Witt, Head, Distributed Data Curation Center, Purdue University , Head, Distributed Data Curation Center , Purdue University

One important step towards achieving FAIR data is the development and improvement of data repositories to be findable, accessible, and interoperable. The recent recommendation from the Research Data Alliance, Common Descriptive Attributes of Research Data Repositories, provides guidance to enable well-described repositories to support researchers, funders, publishers, repository developers and managers, registries, and other stakeholders, including both users and user agents.

Putting FAIR into Practice: It Takes a Village

Photo of Susanna-Assunta Sansone, PhD, Professor of Data Readiness, Department of Engineering Science; Academic Lead for Research Practice, University of Oxford , Professor of Data Readiness , University of Oxford
Susanna-Assunta Sansone, PhD, Professor of Data Readiness, Department of Engineering Science; Academic Lead for Research Practice, University of Oxford , Professor of Data Readiness , University of Oxford

The FAIR Principles have succeeded to unite stakeholders worldwide behind a common concept: good data management under common standards. However, FAIR is aspirational, and the narrative principles are insufficient to circumscribe the valid mechanisms to achieve the behaviours they describe. This presentation provides an overview of a community-driven resource, and a community task force showing how they contribute to enabling FAIR compliance and turn FAIR into reality.

Networking Coffee Break

The Elixir FAIR Cookbook: Turning FAIR into Practice

Photo of Philippe Rocca-Serra, PhD, Senior Director FAIR Collaborations R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge UK; Associate Member of Faculty, Oxford e-Research Centre, University of Oxford , Senior Director, FAIR Collaboration AZ / Senior Research at Oxford e-Research Centre, UOXF , R&D Data Office / O , AstraZeneca / University of Oxford
Philippe Rocca-Serra, PhD, Senior Director FAIR Collaborations R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge UK; Associate Member of Faculty, Oxford e-Research Centre, University of Oxford , Senior Director, FAIR Collaboration AZ / Senior Research at Oxford e-Research Centre, UOXF , R&D Data Office / O , AstraZeneca / University of Oxford

Created by data managers, professionals in academia, (bio)pharmaceutical companies, and information service industries, the FAIR Cookbook is an online resource of hands-on recipes that guides researchers and data stewards in their FAIRification journey. It also provides policy-makers and trainers with practical examples to recommend in their guidance and use in their educational material. Part of the ELIXIR ecosystem, this resource is open to contributions of new recipes.

FAIR for Machine Learning; Building on the Lessons from FAIR Software

Photo of Fotis Psomopoulos, PhD, Senior Researcher, INAB|CERTH , Senior Researcher , Institute of Applied Biosciences (INAB) , Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH)
Fotis Psomopoulos, PhD, Senior Researcher, INAB|CERTH , Senior Researcher , Institute of Applied Biosciences (INAB) , Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH)

Ensuring that data are FAIR is nowadays a clear expectation across all science domains, as a result of many years of global efforts. Research software, has only just started to receive the same level of attention in recent years, with targeted actions towards the definition of the FAIR principles as applied to research software, as well as concerted efforts around reproducibility, quality, and sustainability. Given the rapid rise of ML as a key technology across all science domains, it is important to build on our collective experience, and already start addressing the challenges ahead of us, towards making ML FAIR.

Implementing FAIR Biomedical Research Software

Photo of Bhavesh Patel, PhD, Associate Research Professor, FAIR Data Innovations Hub, California Medical Innovations Institute , Associate Research Professor , FAIR Data Innovations Hub , California Medical Innovations Institute
Bhavesh Patel, PhD, Associate Research Professor, FAIR Data Innovations Hub, California Medical Innovations Institute , Associate Research Professor , FAIR Data Innovations Hub , California Medical Innovations Institute

Research software such as data analysis tools and AI models have become an essential part of biomedical research. Making them FAIR is therefore critical to enable the reproducibility of research results, prevent duplicate efforts, and ultimately increase the pace of discoveries. In this talk, we discuss what it means to make software FAIR and present the FAIR Biomedical Research Software (FAIR-BioRS) guidelines, which are actionable guidelines for making software FAIR.

FAIR—Alliance of Genomic Resources

Photo of Paul Sternberg, PhD, Bren Professor of Biology, Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology , Bren Prof of Biology , Biology & Biological Engineering , California Institute of Technology
Paul Sternberg, PhD, Bren Professor of Biology, Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology , Bren Prof of Biology , Biology & Biological Engineering , California Institute of Technology

The Alliance of Genome Resources is a consortium of model organism knowledgebases (MODs) and the Gene Ontology Consortium whose goals are to use biocuration coupled with AI/ML to make information computable and FAIR, to support comparative genomics, and to promote sustainability of core community data resources. We develop widely-used ontologies, make shared instances of common tools and processes, and present both integrative and organism-centric views of genetic and genomic data. Our progress and challenges in making complete data lifecycle FAIR will be discussed. 

Developing a US National PID Strategy

Photo of Todd Carpenter, Executive Director, National Information Standards Organization (NISO) , Executive Director , National Information Standards Organization
Todd Carpenter, Executive Director, National Information Standards Organization (NISO) , Executive Director , National Information Standards Organization
Photo of John Chodacki, Director, University of California Curation Center (UC3) , Director , University of California Curation Center (UC3)
John Chodacki, Director, University of California Curation Center (UC3) , Director , University of California Curation Center (UC3)

This presentation outlines a national strategy for integrating persistent identifiers (PIDs) and metadata into research following OSTP guidelines for research integrity. Co-led by Todd Carpenter (NISO) and John Chodacki (CDL/RDA-US), we'll discuss consensus-building for PIDs, promoting best practices, and recommending PIDs for specific uses. The goal is to enhance metadata quality, ensure seamless data flow across platforms, and potentially set a National Standard, benefiting a broad spectrum of research stakeholders.

Session Break

FAIR PLATFORMS

Chairperson's Remarks

Ishwar Chandramouliswaran, Program Director, Office of Data Science Strategy, NIH , Program Director , Office of Data Science Strategy , NIH

Figshare FAIR Best Practices

Photo of Dan Valen, Head of Strategic Development, Figshare , Head of Strategic Development , Figshare
Dan Valen, Head of Strategic Development, Figshare , Head of Strategic Development , Figshare

Figshare is a flexible generalist repository that allows researchers to FAIR-ly share any research output in a trusted repository so it is discoverable and reusable. As part of the NIH Generalist Repository Ecosystem Initiative (GREI), Figshare has been working together with other repositories to enhance its interoperable metadata, use of persistent identifiers, user interface, search capabilities, and metrics reporting to support both the sharing and discovery of FAIR open data.

FAIR and Compliant: A Blueprint for Collaborating on Protected Data

Photo of Rachana Ananthakrishnan, Executive Director, University of Chicago, Globus , Executive Director , University of Chicago, Globus
Rachana Ananthakrishnan, Executive Director, University of Chicago, Globus , Executive Director , University of Chicago, Globus

The explosion of the amount of data coming off instruments, new research data sharing policy requirements for publication of scientific data, and the availability of a wide diversity of storage systems contribute to the increased demands on system administrators in research computing. Globus (globus.org) is a comprehensive platform for research IT which includes data description and discovery, protected data management, and automation. The platform balances findability and privacy, and improves the users’ experience through service offerings which abstract away system complexities and reduce the obstacles in data management, while enabling access to remote computing.

Building on a FAIRly Strong Foundation to Connect Academic Research to Translational Impact

Photo of Jack DiGiovanna, PhD, CSO, Velsera , Chief Science Officer , Velsera (Seven Bridges)
Jack DiGiovanna, PhD, CSO, Velsera , Chief Science Officer , Velsera (Seven Bridges)

Making data and analytics FAIR has transformative potential within organizations to build on existing knowledge. FAIR resources also democratize access to information and tools in underserved communities. Global standards and analysis platforms provide strong foundational elements. However, FAIRness across time and different sectors of the biomedical workforce presents challenges. Here we summarize how platforms make data and analysis FAIR today and what we see as key areas of future focus.

Networking Refreshment Break

RDMKit Alliance

Photo of Munazah Andrabi, PhD, Data & Community Manager, The University of Manchester , Data & Community Manager , Computer Science , The University of Manchester
Munazah Andrabi, PhD, Data & Community Manager, The University of Manchester , Data & Community Manager , Computer Science , The University of Manchester

As the scientific community strives for FAIR data, good research data management (RDM) is becoming crucial. The ELIXIR RDMkit, is a framework for best practices for RDM, acting as a hub of RDM information. It offers links to registries for tools, training materials, standards, and databases, as well as to services offering deeper knowledge for FAIRification practices. Guided by a community-driven model, RDMkit has contributions from data stewards, researchers, and RDM experts from all areas of biomedical sciences. In this talk, we will present the RDMkit—its aims, content, community, and potential prospects for the RDMkit Alliance, a global cooperation.

Why Industry Should Care: Boosting Research Efficiency with FAIR Data

Photo of Juergen Harter, PhD, CEO, The Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC) , Chief Executive Officer , The Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC)
Juergen Harter, PhD, CEO, The Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC) , Chief Executive Officer , The Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC)

The Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC) maintains the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD), a trusted repository of 1.2M+ experimental 3D structures used by academics and researchers in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and fine chemical industries. FAIR data concepts have driven our approach to sustaining this critical global resource. We will share our FAIR journey and reflect on the value and importance of the FAIR data principles to the life sciences industry at large.

Panel Moderator:

PANEL DISCUSSION WITH SYMPOSIUM SPEAKERS FROM THE MORNING:
FAIR Resources

Ishwar Chandramouliswaran, Program Director, Office of Data Science Strategy, NIH , Program Director , Office of Data Science Strategy , NIH

Nick Lynch, PhD, Founder & CTO, Curlew Research; Member, FAIRplus Consortium , Founder & CTO , Curlew Research

Panelists:

Paul Sternberg, PhD, Bren Professor of Biology, Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology , Bren Prof of Biology , Biology & Biological Engineering , California Institute of Technology

Bhavesh Patel, PhD, Associate Research Professor, FAIR Data Innovations Hub, California Medical Innovations Institute , Associate Research Professor , FAIR Data Innovations Hub , California Medical Innovations Institute

Fotis Psomopoulos, PhD, Senior Researcher, INAB|CERTH , Senior Researcher , Institute of Applied Biosciences (INAB) , Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH)

Susanna-Assunta Sansone, PhD, Professor of Data Readiness, Department of Engineering Science; Academic Lead for Research Practice, University of Oxford , Professor of Data Readiness , University of Oxford

Philippe Rocca-Serra, PhD, Senior Director FAIR Collaborations R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge UK; Associate Member of Faculty, Oxford e-Research Centre, University of Oxford , Senior Director, FAIR Collaboration AZ / Senior Research at Oxford e-Research Centre, UOXF , R&D Data Office / O , AstraZeneca / University of Oxford

Michael Witt, Head, Distributed Data Curation Center, Purdue University , Head, Distributed Data Curation Center , Purdue University

Panel Moderator:

PANEL DISCUSSION WITH SYMPOSIUM SPEAKERS FROM THE AFTERNOON:
FAIR Platform

Ishwar Chandramouliswaran, Program Director, Office of Data Science Strategy, NIH , Program Director , Office of Data Science Strategy , NIH

Nick Lynch, PhD, Founder & CTO, Curlew Research; Member, FAIRplus Consortium , Founder & CTO , Curlew Research

Panelists:

Munazah Andrabi, PhD, Data & Community Manager, The University of Manchester , Data & Community Manager , Computer Science , The University of Manchester

Jack DiGiovanna, PhD, CSO, Velsera , Chief Science Officer , Velsera (Seven Bridges)

Juergen Harter, PhD, CEO, The Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC) , Chief Executive Officer , The Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC)

Rachana Ananthakrishnan, Executive Director, University of Chicago, Globus , Executive Director , University of Chicago, Globus

Dan Valen, Head of Strategic Development, Figshare , Head of Strategic Development , Figshare

Close of Symposium

Transition to Plenary Keynote

PLENARY KEYNOTE PROGRAM

Organizer's Remarks

Cindy Crowninshield, Executive Event Director, Cambridge Healthtech Institute , Executive Event Director , Cambridge Healthtech Institute

PLENARY KEYNOTE PRESENTATION:
Unleashing the Power of Advanced Computing in Biomedical Informatics: A Vision for Transformative Collaboration

Photo of Daniel Stanzione, PhD, Executive Director, Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) , Executive Director , Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC)
Daniel Stanzione, PhD, Executive Director, Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) , Executive Director , Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC)

In the dynamic intersection of life science and computing, our mission at the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) is to propel biomedical informatics into a new era of discovery and innovation. As computational leaders, we are dedicated to harnessing the potential of high-performance computing (HPC), machine learning (ML), and data analytics to revolutionize medicine. In this visionary pursuit, we prioritize the development of user-friendly interfaces and intuitive platforms. This approach ensures accessibility for executives and leaders in the life sciences industry, promoting seamless interaction with computational tools and fostering an environment where scientific and technological advancements coalesce. This presentation shares our vision for shaping the future of biomedical informatics where innovation, collaboration, and cutting-edge technologies converge to redefine the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of medicine.

Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing (Sponsorship Opportunity Available)

Close of Day


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