Scientific Program

Reimagining the Microbial Genomics Data Sharing Ecosystem.

This introductory session will provide a thematic overview of the intent of the GMI 13 Meeting. Themes will include i) technical mechanisms and data standards for enabling interoperability, reproducibility, and comparability of results; and ii) frameworks for building trust and equitable benefit sharing.

Genomic Data Sharing in a Social/Legal Context.

The Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH) is a policy-framing and technical standards-setting organization, seeking to enable responsible genomic data sharing within a human rights framework. This session will highlight the policies, tools and services that GA4GH have developed for improving data linkages, consent, security and more.

Equitable data sharing: lessons from the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak.

Chinese researchers mapped and shared the genomes of 19 isolates of the 2019-nCoV coronavirus January 2020, just a few weeks after an outbreak of an unusual viral pneumonia was detected in the central city of Wuhan, China, which sickened hundreds since mid-December 2019. This session will focus on the benefits, challenges and lessons learned regarding data sharing during public health emergencies.

New and Existing Efforts in Genomics Data Sharing and Standardization.

This session will focus on building relationships between GMI and other microbial genomics initiatives and networks (e.g. GA4GH, PHA4GE, ISO), and will feature short talks and a panel discussion.

Public Repositories and Open Data Sharing Initiatives.

This session will provide updates from public repositories (INSDC) and associated networks/projects (GenomeTrakr, COMPARE), as well as plans for achieving interoperability.

Data Sharing and Interoperability in Laboratory Networks.

This session will focus on mechanisms for enabling data sharing and interoperability within and between networks of public health laboratories (e.g. EURL, PulseNet, OHEJP-ORION), highlighting challenges and solutions.

GMI Priorities & Progress - WG Updates and Discussion.

This session will provide a brief overview of WG mandates and objectives, recap past successes, and define current challenges and priorities.

Global South/North Partnerships: Lessons from Joint Genomics Projects Around the World.

Global South/North Partnerships: Lessons from Joint Genomics Projects Around the World. When data is collected in low-resource settings, inequitable opportunities to engage in the use of the data often emerge upon sharing with researchers in well-resourced settings. This session will feature paired speakers from genomics initiatives involving partnerships between high-income and low- and middle-income countries, and will focus on lessons learned as well as strategies for equitable sharing and technology transfer.

The Proof is in the Pudding: Improving Investigations through Data Sharing.

Fast and efficient data sharing is crucial for resolving outbreaks and preventing the spread of foodborne pathogens. This session will highlight successful examples of how data sharing improved investigations in Canada and the US.

Solutions for Achieving the Open Data Sharing Ecosystem.

This session will highlight technological strategies for achieving an open, data sharing ecosystem.