By IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
Oct. 4, 2024
New researcher friendly workspaces and collaboration tools with BC2's cancer data system in place
In this ongoing series, BC²’s continuous efforts to integrate data pipelines are highlighted, transforming disparate data sources into a unified, accessible, and user-friendly system for researchers.
In the previous update, the Biospecimen Collection and Banking Core (BC²) team’s initiative to build a unified data platform was highlighted, showcasing the integration of advanced data pipelines to make cancer research data more accessible and usable. As progress continues, the platform will soon offer robust tools that enable researchers to manage their entire workflow seamlessly, from initial data gathering to final analysis. Below is a preview of what’s coming later this year:
- Faster feasibility assessments: With access to more comprehensive, multimodal data, researchers can quickly assess the feasibility of their studies. This will allow users to evaluate potential cohorts and identify critical insights before launching projects, leading to more informed decision-making at the earliest stages of research.
- Convenient research Workbench: One of the core features of the platform, the Workbench, will serve as a secure, centralized space for researchers to conduct data analyses, manage project workflows, and store results. The workbench offers a user-friendly interface designed to handle the full spectrum of research activities.
- Seamless internal collaboration: The platform will provide intuitive tools for securely sharing data, analyses, and project insights across teams and departments within the cancer center. By facilitating real-time collaboration, researchers can work together to accelerate discovery, all while maintaining control over data access and sharing permissions.
Spotlight on the research Workbench
The Workbench will act as a central hub for researchers to streamline their work. With this feature, users can carry out all their work in one place—with an integrated view of key project details such as data, transformations, notes, and comments.
Researchers will have complete control over their projects, with options to manage private and collaborative workspaces within the same platform. They can assign access permissions and securely share their work with colleagues internally, ensuring seamless and secure collaboration. This enhanced environment will not only improve the flow of research but also foster collaboration by breaking down barriers between teams and departments.
Looking ahead
As the platform’s launch approaches, further updates will highlight how cancer center researchers will benefit. With advanced features focused on improving workflows, this system is designed to make research more efficient and foster better collaboration.
For more details about this ongoing effort or the BC2, contact Jill Henry at jihenry@iu.edu or 317-278-2829.
