Beacon API is a lightweight data discovery protocol, a standard of GA4GH, that enables medical institutes to make their genomic and biomedical data globally discoverable. A collection of Beacon API nodes can be utilised as a Beacon network that helps researchers compose research cohorts from multiple centers for genotype first research. While the default Beacon data model (v2.0) includes several properties relevant for representation of cancer related data, for our practical implementation in the Princess Máxima Center, we found the need to implement some modifications and specify use for some overly permissive parameters. This resulted in the OncoBeacon specification.

In this interactive, hands-on session, we will demonstrate how the application of the OncoBeacon specification to the standard Beacon model and the use of standard API and network software has led to a practical Beacon implementation in paediatric oncology.
This session will bring together data holders in other (paediatric) oncology centers with whom a collaboration can be established.

The workshop will focus on the current state of the Beacon data model, its capabilities for querying and representing cancer related data and showcase how modifications developed for the OncoBeacon specification improve utility of the Beacon protocol in a concrete oncogenomic use case.