Poster Number
32
Poster Title
Operationalizing GA4GH Standards in Underrepresented Regions: BioVana Research’s Framework for Secure, Ethical Data Stewardship Across Africa
Authors
Olajumoke Popoola, Estelle Dogbon (BioVana Research)
Abstract
BioVana Research is building a pan-African genomic data infrastructure that aligns with the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH) strategic roadmap. Our mission is to strengthen biobank and data-sharing ecosystems across Africa, addressing long-standing underrepresentation in global genomics and enabling ethical, secure, and interoperable clinico-genomic data stewardship.
Our approach directly supports GA4GH’s three community imperatives:
(1) Interoperability and Alignment: BioVana leverages GA4GH standards, including Beacon and the Data Use Ontology (DUO), to harmonize metadata and facilitate federated discovery across biorepositories. Through alignment with the GA4GH Interoperability Testbed, we are enabling real-world data flow across institutional and national boundaries.
(2) Implementation Support: We provide end-to-end capacity building for biorepositories seeking ISO 20387 certification and alignment with ISBER best practices. This includes SOP harmonization, centralized LIMS deployment, and quality management training, thus ensuring African biobanks are prepared for secure, standards-compliant data sharing.
(3) Clinical Engagement: BioVana collaborates with hospitals and genomics labs to ensure clinical data collection and sharing aligns with both GA4GH standards and regional regulatory frameworks. Our focus includes trusted research environments (TREs), consent frameworks, and integration with health systems for longitudinal data use.
Our initial deployments in Nigeria and Kenya demonstrate the feasibility and impact of this model, including the integration of GA4GH-compliant tools and the establishment of regional governance frameworks.
BioVana Research is helping to realize a globally inclusive “internet of genomics” by bridging fragmented infrastructure and amplifying African leadership. We offer a scalable, context-aware blueprint for GA4GH-aligned implementation in low- and middle-income regions, advancing equitable participation in precision health innovation.
Our approach directly supports GA4GH’s three community imperatives:
(1) Interoperability and Alignment: BioVana leverages GA4GH standards, including Beacon and the Data Use Ontology (DUO), to harmonize metadata and facilitate federated discovery across biorepositories. Through alignment with the GA4GH Interoperability Testbed, we are enabling real-world data flow across institutional and national boundaries.
(2) Implementation Support: We provide end-to-end capacity building for biorepositories seeking ISO 20387 certification and alignment with ISBER best practices. This includes SOP harmonization, centralized LIMS deployment, and quality management training, thus ensuring African biobanks are prepared for secure, standards-compliant data sharing.
(3) Clinical Engagement: BioVana collaborates with hospitals and genomics labs to ensure clinical data collection and sharing aligns with both GA4GH standards and regional regulatory frameworks. Our focus includes trusted research environments (TREs), consent frameworks, and integration with health systems for longitudinal data use.
Our initial deployments in Nigeria and Kenya demonstrate the feasibility and impact of this model, including the integration of GA4GH-compliant tools and the establishment of regional governance frameworks.
BioVana Research is helping to realize a globally inclusive “internet of genomics” by bridging fragmented infrastructure and amplifying African leadership. We offer a scalable, context-aware blueprint for GA4GH-aligned implementation in low- and middle-income regions, advancing equitable participation in precision health innovation.