Technical Standards and Data Submission Steering Committee (TSDS) Charge and Roster

Purpose

The Technical Standards and Data Submission (TSDS) Steering Committee advises the Senior Oversight Committee (SOC) of the programmatic and policy needs related to ensuring robust policies and rigorous standards for NIH-designated genomic data repositories and the data contained therein. The TSDS serves as the principal trans-NIH committee to promote communication across the NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) on data and project types that fall under NIH genomic data sharing policies. It may initiate the development and ongoing review of specific procedures related to issues of data submission, data security, database functionality and interoperability, quality control of genomic and phenotypic data, and other scientific program topics that transcend individual ICs with regard to the conduct of well-designed, high-quality genomic research.

Function

The TSDS charge is to stimulate dialog and promote common principles for the conduct and management of NIH research that generates genomic data. Its work includes procedural standards for data security, information technology concerns, and the development and application of transparent and consistent expectations for research investigators submitting data to NIH genomic data repositories. The TSDS also will help ensure that NIH-designated genomic data repositories (e.g., dbGaP, third-party data repositories supported by NIH ICs) and other NIH databases (e.g., dbSNP, IC-specific data repositories) remain interoperable and develop along compatible pathways. The TSDS shall provide analyses and make recommendations to the SOC on policy and/or technical issues related to activities within its purview as well as work directly with its membership to promote common practices, such as study registration and data submission considerations, procedures, and operating practices that are consistent across ICs.

As needed, TSDS special working groups may be appointed by the Co-Chairs for specific tasks and time periods. The Co-Chairs will generally appoint a working group chair from among the TSDS membership. Broad representation by IC staff on these working groups will be encouraged, as appropriate, in order to facilitate discussion from various perspectives and promote consensus in decision making.

Membership

The TSDS will be comprised of the senior Genomic Program Administrators (GPAs) responsible for managing study registration and the submission of genomic data within their ICs and representatives of relevant NIH data repositories.

TSDS Co-Chairs will be appointed by the Co-Chairs of the SOC. One Co-Chair will be drawn from the TSDS membership and one from the GDS senior policy staff. Co-Chair terms are for one year; Co-Chairs may serve more than one term.

Meetings

Regular meetings of the TSDS will be held at least quarterly. The Co-Chairs may call additional meetings as necessary. Proceedings of the meetings will be summarized and disseminated to the members and reported to the SOC.

Administrative Support

Staff support for the TSDS is provided through the NIH Director. GDS staff will be responsible for management of the TSDS, including maintaining its records, organizing meetings, and drafting meeting summaries for approval by the Co-Chairs.

Sunset Provisions

This TSDS charter will undergo periodic review at least every three years. Any major amendments to the charter of the TSDS require the approval of the SOC Co-Chairs. Termination of the TSDS requires the approval of the NIH Director.

TSDS Members

Dina Paltoo, Ph.D., M.P.H. (Co-Chair )
Office of Science Policy, OD

Joni Rutter, Ph.D.
NIDA

Elizabeth Gillanders, Ph.D.
NCI

Emily Chew, M.D.
NEI

Vivian Ota Wang, Ph.D.
NHGRI

Camilla Day, Ph.D. (Ex Officio )
NHGRI

Holly Krull, Ph.D.
NHLBI

Winifred Rossi, M.A.
NIA

Maria Giovanni, Ph.D.
NIAID

Bill Sharrock, Ph.D.
NIAMS

Vinay Pai, Ph.D.
NIBIB

Tyl Hewitt, Ph.D.
NICHD

Bracie Watson, Ph.D.
NIDCD

Mark Caulder, M.S., M.P.H
NIDA

Emily Harris, Ph.D., M.P.H.
NIDCR

Catherine McKeon, Ph.D.
NIDDK

Kim McAllister, Ph.D.
NIEHS

Donna Krasnewich, M.D., Ph.D.
NIGMS

Thomas Lehner, Ph.D., M.P.H.
NIMH

Derrick Tabor, Ph.D.
NIMHD

Katrina Gwinn, Ph.D.
NINDS

Lois Tully, Ph.D.
NINR

Elaine Collier, M.D.
NCATS

NCBI Technical Resources

Mike Feolo, M.S.

Jim Ostell, Ph.D.

Steve Sherry, Ph.D.

Lora Ziyabari