We started by presenting the working group mission and provided an opportunity for each representative to introduce themselves. Then followed by an open discussion on growing the genomic data science community and the educational resources needed. 

Following the initial discussion, members wanted to collaboratively draft a white paper outlining methods to bring genomic data science to underrepresented academic communities. This online brainstorming and discussion meeting outlined some of the challenges and potential solutions. 

During this symposium, we reviewed the status of the white paper and continued brainstorming additional topics for the manuscript. We also performed a short demonstration of a small experimental analysis on the genomic data cloud computing platform known as AnVIL (Analysis, Visualization, and Informatics Lab-space) with upcoming conferences and events for supplemental learning. 

In November 2021, the GDSCN hosted our third symposium. We heard a presentation about the Open Case Studies project, inviting GDSCN members to explore educational resources available for data-driven understanding of real-world challenges and propose ideas for new case studies. Next, we presented the first GDSCN curriculum, SARS-CoV-2 Variant Detection with Galaxy on AnVIL, a GDSCN member-contributed lecture and lab exercise developed for classroom use. We also reviewed the status of the “10 Simple Rules” white paper and developed a plan for finalization. Lastly, an upcoming opportunity for development of Cloud-based Genomic Data Science education from NHGRI was shared.

In this two-day symposium, we shared new educational content with the Network, explored the next areas of interest for our Network to pursue in the short- and long-term, and heard about some exciting work and opportunities from the NIH Office of Data Science Strategy (ODSS), the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), and the All of Us Research Program (AoU).

We held our first in-person Symposium in August 2022! The Network gathered virtually and in person to hear about the extension of the GDSCN, updates from the three Working Groups that were started in summer 2022, and gather plans and ideas for future directions in the expansion of the GDSCN.

We held sixth Symposium in March 2023! The Network discussed starting plans for the next phase of GDSCN, a collaborative research project, and facilitating new partnerships to support these efforts.

Our seventh Symposium was hosted in Seattle, WA in August 2023! The Network shared community updates from our GDSCN members pursuing exciting efforts to engage students in genomics and data science projects, shared more details about a collaborative research project, and heard from NHGRI and NSF representatives about relevant funding opportunities.

We held our eighth Symposium in March 2024! The Network discussed the BioDIGS collaborative soil metagenomics research project, funding opportunities at NHGRI, and plans to expand the Network.