Diversifying the genomic data science research community

Abstract

Over the past 20 years, the explosion of genomic data collection and the cloud computing revolution have made computational and data science research accessible to anyone with a web browser and an internet connection. However, students at institutions with limited resources have received relatively little exposure to curricula or professional development opportunities that lead to careers in genomic data science. To broaden participation in genomics research, the scientific community needs to support these programs in local education and research at underserved institutions (UIs). These include community colleges, historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and tribal colleges and universities that support ethnically, racially, and socioeconomically underrepresented students in the United States. We have formed the Genomic Data Science Community Network to support students, faculty, and their networks to identify opportunities and broaden access to genomic data science. These opportunities include expanding access to infrastructure and data, providing UI faculty development opportunities, strengthening collaborations among faculty, recognizing UI teaching and research excellence, fostering student awareness, developing modular and open-source resources, expanding course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs), building curriculum, supporting student professional development and research, and removing financial barriers through funding programs and collaborator support.

Figure 1.

Our vision for diverse genomic data science. The Genomic Data Science Community Network strives for a just and fair system in which researchers, educators, and students are engaged in genomic data science research regardless of their institution's scientific clout, resources, geographical location, or infrastructure. We propose specific actions (dark/blue boxes) that can be taken by research and educational community stakeholders (light/gray boxes). Support mechanisms are also outlined (italic/orange boxes/hashed lines). (UI) Underserved institution, (CC) community college, (HBCU) historically Black college or university, (HSI) Hispanic-serving institution, (TCU) tribal college or university.

Figure 2.

Checklist of actions for diverse genomic data science. We envision greater participation in genomic data science with these key actions. (UI) Underserved institution; (CURE) course-based undergraduate research experiences.

Figure 3.

Success stories informing the right paths forward. GDSCN members provided nonexhaustive examples of successes at their institutions. These examples show how UI faculty can excel in nurturing collaborative environments and supporting student pathways with the right support network.