To learn more about the Variation Representation Specifcation (VRS) and to help you prepare for the VRS Hackathon, we invite you to watch the following 18-minute video. In this overview, members of the VRS team provide an introduction to the current landscape of variation representation, key challenges in this space, and how VRS can help.

VRS Tutorials: An Introduction to the GA4GH Variation Representation Specification

The GA4GH Variation Representation Specification (VRS)​ provides a flexible framework of computational models, schemas, and algorithms to precisely and consistently exchange genetic variation data across communities. VRS aims to improve the reliability and utility of the clinical annotations that are central to personalized medicine. The specification, which was developed with input from national information resource providers, major public initiatives, and diagnostic testing laboratories, significantly reduces ambiguity in exchanging variation data.

Resources:

• VRS Standard
• VRSATILE Extenstions
• Try out VRS
  • Cloud based notebooks (beta application)
  • VRS-Python repository
• Provide feedback on VRS