Researchers at the Institute for Genome Sciences (IGS) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) called for open access to genome data, stating that unrestricted usage is needed for progress in combatting the world’s most serious diseases.

Scientific progress relies on unconditional access to data that is hosted in open and accessible repositories, a group of genomic research leaders that included top IGS faculty stated in an article published in Science. They noted that while there are valid concerns and misconceptions about the rights of data producers, what is needed are clear, unambiguous guidelines for data usage.

Owen White, PhD

“Advancing the genomics field forward requires strong affirmative policies towards open and unrestricted data sharing to promote inclusive community-driven research, translational science, as well as training activities,” said Owen White, PhD, professor of epidemiology and public health, associate director at IGS, and UMSOM director of bioinformatics.

In addition to White, other investigators at IGS who contributed to the paper include Claire Fraser, PhD, professor of medicine, microbiology and immunology and director of IGS; Jacques Ravel, PhD, professor of microbiology and immunology and associate director of genomics at IGS, and Lynn Schriml, PhD, associate professor of epidemiology and public health.

The scientists asserted that once data are publicly released following the data release rules of the agency that funded the project, they should be freely available for use without any restrictions or conditions. Additionally, the policies that govern data release should be applied uniformly, as opposed to being subject to nuanced interpretation on a project-by-project basis.

“Data access is critically important in advancing research to combat the most complex health issues such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders,” said UMSOM Dean E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA, University of Maryland, Baltimore executive vice president for medical affairs, and the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor.