As organizations gear up to share more data, many are adopting or adapting software applications to be caBIG® compatible—and relying on the experience of others to make the process a bit easier.
Now in its second year, the caBIG® Mentors program connects experts in caBIG® compatibility with individuals just starting out. Even seasoned developers, such as Phil Andrews of University of Michigan, reap the benefits of working one-on-one with those who have traveled the same path and describe the Mentors program as "invaluable."
"Early and often is the key," says Baris Suzek of Georgetown University, a long-time caBIG® participant and an active Mentor to others in the community. "Achieving caBIG® compatibility requires commitment and active engagement from the development team from the start of the process. The sooner the development team starts working with a caBIG® Mentor, and the more interactive the process, the smoother the compatibility review process goes."
Grace Stafford, a bioinformatics specialist at The Jackson Laboratory and fellow Mentor, agrees. "Open communication between the developers and the Mentor is the key. For each project, you need to find the right mix of guidance and involvement. As Mentors, we know the caBIG® architecture, vocabulary and review process. We can help the developers get the resources they need, but obviously the developers know the goals and capabilities of their software far better than we do, so our strength is guidance rather than hands-on development help."
The caBIG® Mentors program is available to any non-profit organization interested in making their software caBIG®-compatible.
Additional Resources
- If you are already involved in the caBIG® program and would like to become a Mentor, contact Michael Keller or visit https://cabig.nci.nih.gov/workspaces/Architecture/work-groups/mentor-guides-work-group
- The caBIG® Enterprise Support Network has additional resources for groups deploying or adapting caBIG® technology. Click here to learn more
