BY-COVID D2.3 Enabling data discovery at source using beacon-like mechanisms

Deliverable D2.3, titled "Enabling data discovery at source using beacon-like mechanisms," presents the outcomes and advancements achieved by Work Package 2 (WP2) partners within the BY-COVID project. The report delineates existing data discovery mechanisms and introduces novel cross-domain data discovery through extensions to the Beacon and the Beacon Network technologies, particularly focusing on its application to COVID-19 data.

Throughout the duration of the project, significant progress has been made in expanding standard data discovery mechanisms. Collaborative efforts have resulted in the enhancement of Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH) Beacon-based mechanisms, enabling efficient data discovery at its source. This deliverable describes eight different Beacon implementations from BY-COVID partners, and other institutions in Europe and other parts of the world (Canada and Australia). These beacons share cross-domain data, from viral genomes and epidemiology to rich patient information or combined viral and host genomes from the same donors.

The achievements prove the commitment to enabling data discovery at its source. By extending Beacon technologies, the project has paved the way for enhanced data accessibility and interoperability across various research domains. Nevertheless, the deliverable shows that the use of popular models and dictionaries (like OMOP or ISARIC eCRF) is not enough to achieve solid interoperability, although it enormously reduces the harmonisation gap and opens the door to generation of tools to bridge these gaps. These advancements signify a crucial step forward in empowering researchers to efficiently access and use diverse datasets, ultimately contributing to more informed decision-making and research outcomes.