Data Management & Sharing Working Group

Goals:

The Data Management WG aims to strengthen data sharing and resource coordination across Cancer Centers. As an initial step, the WG proposes conducting a landscape survey of data generated in shared resources, beginning with those in the national alliance. The findings could provide a foundation for developing a comprehensive database of instrumentation platforms, data formats, and other critical information to support resource sharing.

Background:

Core facilities have long been an invaluable resource for investigators, supporting innovative research, educating on emerging technologies, and fostering collaboration within their institutions. However, effective sharing requires that data generated across diverse facilities be interoperable so it can be more easily combined, compared, and reused. In practice, researchers often struggle to find clear information about available instrumentation, services, and data types, limiting opportunities to share expertise, access novel technologies, and maximize data reuse.

To address these challenges, the National Alliance of Cancer Centers Shared Resources (NACCSR) has established a Data Management Working Group (WG) to strengthen collaboration across Cancer Center core facilities. The WG’s charter is to enhance resource sharing, expand access to expertise and technologies, and provide guidance on data collection, analysis, and reanalysis for all members. A key focus will be making core facility information both findable and accessible, and ensuring data interoperability across centers.

As an initial step, the WG proposes developing a catalog of data types generated across core facilities, beginning with those within the Alliance. The long-term goal is to create a comprehensive catalog of instrumentation, services, and data for all members. This effort will support resource sharing, help researchers identify expertise, foster collaborations, and expand opportunities for data reuse.