MINDDS-connect: a federated data platform integrating biobanks for meta cohort building and analysis
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Access to large patient cohort data and biobanked resources is a catalyst for progress in genomics and biomedical research, increasing statistical power, and unlocking deeper insights-especially in areas like rare diseases and mental health. Responsible research necessitates maintenance of data privacy, regulatory compliance, and research standardization. It can appear that these guiding principles oppose each other and present barriers to responsible Open science. To address these critical challenges, we developed MINDDS-Connect, a federated data collaboration platform that integrates a web-based interface with decentralized Docker instances via a REST API. This architecture allows registered users to securely query samples across the platform's network, and offers a tool to facilitate the formation of virtual multi-centric meta-cohorts and research collaboration. MINDDS-Connect allows institutions to retain data control while enabling collaborative research and meta-cohort analysis through standardized metadata fields. Its implementation across five European centers enhanced the accessibility of 900 samples, demonstrating its effectiveness in enabling cohort construction and promoting collaborative research. The platform provides a secure, open-source solution consistent with EU Open Science policies, advancing large-scale mental health research.
Authors: Benjamin Huremagic, Nishkala Sattanathan, Mathilde Geysens, Janet Harwood, Jente Verbesselt, Senne Meynants, Ann Swillen, Kris Van Den Bogaert, Danijela Drakulic, Goran Cuturilo, Thérèse van Amelsvoort, David Linden, Natália Oliva-Teles, Paula Jorge, Marianne B. M. van den Bree, Jessica H. Hall, Haleh Chizari, Amin Ardeshirdavani, Adrian J. Harwood, Geert Vandeweyer, Yves Moreau, Joris Robert Vermeesch
Institutions: KU Leuven, University of Antwerp, Universitair Ziekenhuis Leuven, Cardiff University, University of Belgrade, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University Children's Hospital, Belgrade, Maastricht University, Universidade do Porto, Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António EPE, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Albel Salazar, Antwerp University Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Information Systems
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,790
Awards: G324259913, G4527036310, 7/9 Rare Genetic Disorders as a Window into the Genetic Architecture of Mental Disorders, Intellectual Disability and Mental Health: Assessing Genomic Impact on Neurodevelopment (IMAGINE), IMAGINE-2: Stratifying Genomic Causes of Intellectual Disability by Mental Health Outcomes in Childhood and Adolescence
OpenAlex ID: W4413351135