Collaborative R&D

The NBDC conducts collaborative research and development with external research organizations to address database integration.

Development for connecting and utilizing databases

In collaboration with the Database Center for Life Science (DBCLS), we are working on the following activities for connecting and utilizing databases with the aim of enabling data-driven science.

Development of applications in line with the objectives of research and development

We are developing applications that enable efficient use of research data to enable users to achieve the purposes of their research and development in fields such as medical and pharmaceutical sciences, production of useful substances, and breeding.

Development of technologies for linking databases

We are developing technologies for linking databases, such as by promoting standardization of data formats and vocabularies, with the aim of enabling computational analytical processing while utilizing the complex relationships between data.

Development of technologies that support data infrastructure

We are developing technologies to enable efficient searching across connected databases and the stable operation of databases.

International collaboration and support for linking databases

In collaboration with database centers outside Japan, we are working to organically link databases inside and outside Japan. We also support increasing the value of individual databases by applying international trends.

Inter-ministry collaboration

The NBDC, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, is implementing the project in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
We set up a portal site (Portal Site for Life Science Database Integration) to commence our activities.

Initiative for sharing research data derived from the human body

The DBCLS operate a database in collaboration with the Bioinformation and DDBJ Center at the National Institute of Genetics to promote sharing and utilization of data related to humans while also taking the protection of personal information into consideration. The DBCLS is responsible for creating rules for data sharing and screening data submission and data usage, while the Bioinformation and DDBJ Center is responsible for receiving, storing and distributing data.

• NBDC Human Database
  Users can view the application forms required for submitting and using data as well as informational overviews of submitted data. Access to some data is unrestricted (available for public viewing) and can be downloaded directly at the linked webpage.
• Japanese Genotype-phenotype Archive (JGA)
  This database stores data for which submission has been approved. This database is controlled so that only researchers approved to use it after being reviewed by the NBDC can access and download target data.

The NBDC Human Database and the JGA also contain data analyzed by BioBank Japan (BBJ) (individual genome data and some clinical information). Through collaboration with the BBJ, samples and information stored by the BBJ can be used in association with the genome data in the NBDC Human Database and the JGA upon submission of an application to the BBJ to use detailed clinical information or biological samples in parallel with submission of an application to the NBDC to use genome data.

• Using the NBDC's Genome Data and Clinical Information | BioBank Japan (BBJ)
  Note that the BBJ data included in the NBDC Human Database and the JGA is also searchable using the Biobank Cross Search System developed in collaboration with the major biobanks in Japan.