MINDDS-connect: a federated data platform integrating biobanks for meta cohort building and analysis
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 (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5198-1318)
- Geert Vandeweyer (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6262-6522)
- Thérèse van Amelsvoort (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1135-5133)
- Kris Van Den Bogaert (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4525-5907)
- Paula Jorge (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6507-222X)
- Goran Čuturilo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2753-3096)
- Yves Moreau (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4647-6560)
- David E.J. Linden (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5638-9292)
- Amin Ardeshirdavani (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7226-7324)
- Mathilde Geysens
- Natália Oliva Teles (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1295-3701)
- Janet Harwood (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3225-0069)
- Adrian J. Harwood (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3124-5169)
- Jente Verbesselt (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3024-8520)
- Nishkala Sattanathan
- Joris Robert Vermeesch (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3071-1191)
- Haleh Chizari (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9321-5315)
- Ann Swillen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4258-4537)
- Danijela Drakulić (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6790-6673)
- Marianne B. M. van den Bree (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4426-3254)
- Senne Meynants
- Jessica H. Hall
Institutions
- University of Antwerp (BE)
- Universidade do Porto (PT)
- Maastricht University (NL)
- University of Belgrade (RS)
- Centre For Human Genetics (IN)
- Antwerp University Hospital (BE)
- Center for Human Genetics (US)
- Hospital de Santo António (PT)
- University Children's Hospital, Belgrade (RS)
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (PT)
- Cardiff University (GB)
- Cardiff Metropolitan University (GB)
- KU Leuven (BE)
Publication Details
- Journal
- European Journal of Human Genetics
- Published
- 2025-08-20
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41431-025-01927-5
- Citations
- 2
- Primary Topic
- Genomics and Rare Diseases
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 3.63
Funders
- KU Leuven
- Medical Research Council
- Universitaire Ziekenhuizen Leuven, KU Leuven
- National Institute of Mental Health