Standardized Omics at a Global Scale: A Perspective on Barriers, Opportunities, and Lessons Learned

Area of Science:

• Omics science
• Analytical chemistry
• Data science

Background:

• Omics science is rapidly advancing due to innovations in analytical chemistry and data science.
• Equitable global participation in omics is limited by uneven access to infrastructure, training, and other barriers.
• Standardization efforts are crucial for generating large, comparable datasets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To share lessons learned from the initial dissemination of standardized food analysis workflows by The Periodic Table of Food Initiative (PTFI).
• To highlight obstacles encountered by international partner laboratories, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• To identify key drivers for laboratory adoption of standardized omics methods.

Main Methods:

• Distribution of standardized omics workflows to 19 international partner laboratories.
• Qualitative reporting of logistical challenges and barriers encountered.
• Comparative analysis of reagent shipment times between high-income countries (HICs) and LMICs.

Main Results:

• Widespread logistical challenges in instrument procurement and operation were documented, especially in LMICs.
• Reagent shipments averaged 4.25 days in HICs versus 65.6 days in LMICs, a 1444% increase.
• Key drivers influencing the adoption of standardized omics methods were identified, impacting global initiative viability.

Conclusions:

• Significant disparities in scientific infrastructure exist globally, posing substantial barriers to omics standardization.
• Democratizing omics and ensuring the sustainability of global initiatives requires addressing these challenges.
• Collective commitment from the international scientific community is essential for developing globally accessible, end-to-end omics workflows.