In-Person HTAN Data Jamboree
NIH Campus
Bethesda, MD
November 6-8, 2024
Project Pitch Application Now Open: submit your ideas by July 12, 2024
The NIH’s National Cancer Institute is pleased to announce an in-person Human Tumor Atlas Network (HTAN) Data Jamboree to promote the reuse of HTAN datasets with a focus on spatial omics datasets. HTAN data is available through the HTAN Data Portal and NCI Cancer Research Data Commons (CRDC) Cloud Resources.
Additional data resources include a Guide to HTAN Data and other HTAN Notebooks.
Propose a Project Idea: Please submit your project pitch by July 12 using the Application Form.
HTAN Data Jamboree Projects
This HTAN Data Jamboree will focus on a variety of activities using the HTAN atlas datasets with an emphasis on promoting the accessibility and reuse of HTAN data. We are especially interested in participants who would like to launch new collaborative projects focusing on spatial omics datasets. Additionally, pitches that propose to extend projects from previous HTAN Jamborees to enhance or add a spatial omics component are welcomed.
Projects could include building analysis pipelines, visualization techniques, AI/ML algorithm development, employing statistical methods, or using existing computational, mathematical, or informatics tools to address cancer-focused questions. Projects involving data interoperability, such as bringing public data to analyze with HTAN data are welcome. Projects to generate tutorial pipelines and educational tools are of interest. We are also interested in data storytelling, infographics, and other creative uses of the HTAN atlas data. Interested applicants with creative project ideas are encouraged to submit a short project pitch (up to 250 words) by July 12.
Participants may leverage the NCI CRDC resources. CRDC cloud resources can provide an environment to work with HTAN data or combine HTAN data with publicly available datasets, including those generated by Jamboree participants. The HTAN atlas datasets contain clinical data matched to a range of molecular data types, including a variety of multiplexed spatial data types (i.e., multiplexed immunofluorescence and spatial transcriptomics) and bulk and single-cell omics data. Cloud credits will be available for use on the NCI CRDC Cloud Resources to continue project development and to nurture nascent collaborations.
Selection of projects will be based on the availability of appropriate datasets and feasibility of making progress on the project during the Data Jamboree. Jamboree organizers may reach out to discuss and clarify the project scope and plans.
Please submit your project pitches here by July 12.
Questions or More Information?
If you would like to arrange a time to speak with the HTAN DCC or Jamboree planning committee prior to submitting a project pitch, please email Sean Hanlon (sean.hanlon@nih.gov). You may also contact Sean for general questions about the HTAN Data Jamborees or project pitch process.
FAQ
What is HTAN?
The goal of the Human Tumor Atlas Network (HTAN) is to generate molecularly defined, multi-dimensional spatial atlases of tumors as they progress from precancer to cancer, transition from locally invasive to metastatic disease, and respond or become resistant to therapy. A brief overview of HTAN can be seen here (starting at 02h:11m:56s). The initial set of HTAN atlases provide several new insights into the biology of precancer, metastasis, and therapy resistance and suggest opportunities for translation of several HTAN findings.
Importantly, HTAN also operates as a community resource and extensive efforts have been made across HTAN to provide the data, protocols, and analytical methods underlying the HTAN atlases available to the community. You can explore the available HTAN data across multiple precancer and cancer types, including breast, colon, lung, skin, pancreas, and pediatric leukemia, here.
What is a Data Jamboree?
Data Jamborees provide amazing opportunities for scientists and coders of diverse expertise and experience levels to work together creatively to build unique solutions that solve relevant problems in cancer research. The key to our Data Jamboree is the focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering new ideas and insights, and expanding the HTAN community. Over three days, teams of four to eight people work on different scientific problems, emphasizing sharing expertise and insight through shared presentations and live demonstrations throughout the event. The event will wrap up with summary presentations or demonstrations of the work accomplished during the event. Cloud credits will be available for use on the NCI CRDC cloud resources to continue project development and nurture nascent collaborations.
If I pitch a project, do I need to lead it?
You can choose to lead your project team, recommend someone, or we can find a suitable team lead. However, providing a designated team lead dramatically increases the probability that we will be able to select the project for the event.
Do I need to assemble a team?
No. The Jamboree planning team will organize participants into small teams with diverse expertise and experience. Teams will have access to members of the HTAN DCC and NCI CRDC with technical expertise and working knowledge of the HTAN Atlas datasets. You may suggest expertise needed in your project pitch submission.
What are my responsibilities as a team lead?
Team leads will coordinate a group of 4-8 people in defining the project and producing a clear vision for developing a solution. To accomplish this goal, the team lead must define and delegate tasks, incorporate team members’ ideas to accomplish the goal, and ensure the team’s success. All participants in the event, including team leads, will need to be present for all three days.
What if I only want to participate?
An application process for those who want to participate in the Data Jamboree will launch in early August