In today’s rapidly advancing world of human health genomics, unprecedented volumes of patient sequence data are being generated, requiring more energy, space, and resources that contribute to rising costs and data’s environmental and greenhouse gas footprint. As powerful insights are being gained through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, improving access to high quality data for genomics research is crucial to advance the understanding of human diseases and develop better medical treatments and treatment outcomes.

This project will facilitate the deployment and validation of Swiss Vault’s innovative data storage solution at the Genome Sciences Centre (GSC), a state-of-the-art next generation sequencing centre for genomics, bioinformatics, and proteomics research. This cutting-edge technology will contribute to reducing energy consumption, retrieving data faster through validation of an efficient data storage and data management platform optimized to support the growing needs of genomics research. The platform deployment is planned along the following two aims:

1. Software: optimize the storage software that will facilitate faster retrieval times, and a resilient data storage archive.
2. Hardware: refine the hardware system’s performance, its energy efficiency and sustainability using unique servers with a smaller environmental footprint.

Data driven research and organizations across the life sciences sector in British Columbia will benefit from significantly reduced data storage costs and optimized data management. This project based on the collaboration between GSC and Swiss Vault is focused on data sustainability which aligns with Canada’s environmental goals. Low energy consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions from data centres will contribute to the province’s green technologies.

Notes:

Total Budget: $500,000; GBC: $250,000; Co-funding: $250,000 from Swiss Vault