Implementing a training resource for large-scale genomic data analysis in the All of Us Researcher Workbench.

Abstract

A lack of representation in genomic research and limited access to computational training create barriers for many researchers seeking to analyze large-scale genetic datasets. The All of Us Research Program provides an unprecedented opportunity to address these gaps by offering genomic data from a broad range of participants, but its impact depends on equipping researchers with the necessary skills to use it effectively. The All of Us Biomedical Researcher (BR) Scholars Program at Baylor College of Medicine aims to break down these barriers by providing early-career researchers with hands-on training in computational genomics through the All of Us Evenings with Genetics Research Program. The year-long program begins with the faculty summit, an in-person computational boot camp that introduces scholars to foundational skills for using the All of Us dataset via a cloud-based research environment. The genomics tutorials focus on genome-wide association studies (GWASs), utilizing Jupyter Notebooks and the Hail computing framework to provide an accessible and scalable approach to large-scale data analysis. Scholars engage in hands-on exercises covering data preparation, quality control, association testing, and result interpretation. By the end of the summit, participants will have successfully conducted a GWAS, visualized key findings, and gained confidence in computational resource management. This initiative expands access to genomic research by equipping early-career researchers from a variety of backgrounds with the tools and knowledge to analyze All of Us data. By lowering barriers to entry and promoting the study of representative populations, the program fosters innovation in precision medicine and advances equity in genomic research.