Engineers to “Hack” on NF2 Genome Data
What do you do once you have your genome sequenced? Instead of letting it sit on a hard drive, you let more people dig into it. Genomic sequencing creates a bridge between computer-technologies and biology. This has big implications for the way we work on improving our health. It is really important that we start finding new ways to collaborate across the different disciplines to get the most out of it.
In collaboration with SVAI (Silicon Valley Artificial Intelligence), we are organizing a “Hackathon” (on the 23rd-25th of June in San Francisco), where we are inviting people from different disciplines to spend the weekend working on NF2 using my own genomic data (derived from my tumor tissue and blood).
A hackathon (also known as a hack day, hackfest or codefest) is a design sprint-like event in which computer programmers and others […], often including subject-matter-experts, collaborate intensively on software projects. (Wikipedia)
As I wrote before, we already have my genome sequenced at the highest quality currently available to us (I’ll write more on that in a future post). We have used this high quality genetic information to identify potential drugs for my condition. Now, we will take it one step further and let other people work with my genetic information as well.
We are working hard to be able to sequence a lot more NF2 patients through nf2project.com, with the aim of finding better and more personalized treatment options, as well as speeding up the process. As more data becomes available, we can leverage the community to get creative and build better tools to drive us to new discoveries.
Driven by Curiosity
The participants of the Hackathon are trying new approaches to fix a problem in a very short period of time. The outcome is less important than the act of trying. Hopefully this event will inspire many people to keep working on the project in the future and form new collaborations.
If you want to learn more about the event or if you want to join (as a hacker, volunteer, patient or as a guest), please check https://sv.ai/hackathon
We’re looking forward to see you!
