A mixed-methods protocol to develop and validate a stewardship maturity matrix for human genomic data in the cloud

Area of Science:

• Genomic Data Science
• Cloud Computing
• Data Management

Background:

• The cloud will increasingly host human genomic and health datasets.
• Repository managers need practical tools to assess data stewardship and stakeholder alignment.
• Current methods lack robust frameworks for evaluating stewardship progress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and test a stewardship maturity matrix (SMM) for cloud-based human genomic data repositories.
• To provide repository managers with tools for assessing stewardship outcomes and tracking progress.
• To align data stewardship practices with diverse stakeholder values.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods protocol combining Delphi survey methods and SMM modeling.
• Adaptation of SMM modeling from earth and planetary sciences for genomic data.
• Integration of quantitative and qualitative data analysis for enhanced rigor.

Main Results:

• A protocol for developing and implementing an SMM for genomic data repositories.
• Identification of key stewardship outcomes valued by stakeholders.
• A framework for evaluating and improving data stewardship systems.

Conclusions:

• The developed SMM protocol offers a practical approach to enhance data stewardship in cloud repositories.
• This mixed-methods approach improves the evaluation of data stewardship systems.
• The protocol better aligns stewardship practices with the values of stakeholders in genomic data science.