The BioResource Data Accelerator: An all-Wales approach to sample and genomic data access serving both the rare disease and cancer research communities

Poster Abstract: Liz Merrifield, Information and Research Governance Lead, Cardiff University 

Abstract

Background/Aims: Cancer researchers are increasingly looking to assemble data from multiple sources (including routine NHS treatment data) and to apply advanced analytics and risk modelling to identify novel prognostic approaches from large multi-modal datasets. The BioResource Data Accelerator project works across several research infrastructure groups and NHS partners to leverage existing data, governance agreements and approaches to access consented and non-consented data, with a view to create and embed reproducible pipelines serving growing appetites for multimodal data, and delivering on national research strategies. Wales Cancer Biobank (WCB) Digital project: partnering of the All-Wales Medical Genomics Service (AWMGS) with WCB to link existing biobank samples with routine diagnostic results, treatment, outcome and histopathology data and genomic data – a unique model in terms of UK and Welsh cancer research. The All-Wales Genomic Databank: a new project collaboration between Wales Gene Park, Genomics Partnership Wales (GPW) and AWMGS. Providing novel routes for collecting consent for research for any patient having contact with the Genomics service widening access to consented data. The Centre for Trials Research: partnering with Digital Health and Care Wales piloting the use of their Secure Data Environment for research. Accessing/utilising routine genomic data from the Welsh Clinical Portal to assemble control arm data for trials potentially reducing research costs. Finally, AWMGS and WGP are working with Genomics Partnership Wales to start pilot flows of routine NHS genomic data into the SAIL databank providing mechanisms to undertake data linkage for rare disease population-level research.