A network of investigator networks in human genome epidemiology.
The task of identifying genetic determinants for complex, multigenetic diseases is hampered by small studies, publication and reporting biases, and lack of common standards worldwide. The authors propose the creation of a network of networks that include groups of investigators collecting data for human genome epidemiology research. Twenty-three networks of investigators addressing specific diseases or research topics and representing several hundreds of teams have already joined this initiative. For each field, the authors are currently creating a core registry of teams already participating in the respective network. A wider international registry will include all other teams also working in the same field. Independent investigators are invited to join the registries and existing networks and to join forces in creating additional ones as needed. The network of networks aims to register these networks, teams, and investigators; be a resource for information about or connections to the many networks; offer methodological support; promote sound design and standardization of analytical practices; generate inclusive overviews of fields at large; facilitate rapid confirmation of findings; and avoid duplication of effort.
Ioannidis
John P A
JP
Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Ioannina School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece. jioannid@cc.uoi.gr
Bernstein
Jonine
J
Boffetta
Paolo
P
Danesh
John
J
Dolan
Siobhan
S
Hartge
Patricia
P
Hunter
David
D
Inskip
Peter
P
Jarvelin
Marjo-Riitta
MR
Little
Julian
J
Maraganore
Demetrius M
DM
Bishop
Julia A Newton
JA
O'Brien
Thomas R
TR
Petersen
Gloria
G
Riboli
Elio
E
Seminara
Daniela
D
Taioli
Emanuela
E
Uitterlinden
André G
AG
Vineis
Paolo
P
Winn
Deborah M
DM
Salanti
Georgia
G
Higgins
Julian P T
JP
Khoury
Muin J
MJ
D030541:Databases, Genetic; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000235:genetics*; D016045:Human Genome Project; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D012042:Registries