USC-led Research Team Shares 10 Years’ Progress in Collecting Data to Push Craniofacial Science Forward

by Rishbha Bhagi

The Facebase repository includes more than 880 datasets

It has been a little more than a decade since the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) launched FaceBase, a central repository for craniofacial datasets and tools meant to advance craniofacial science by fostering cooperation and collaboration around the globe.

The endeavor, which represents contributions by researchers from more than two dozen universities across the globe, entered its third phase last year, with a $12.5 million grant.

In a newly published Development article, titled “FaceBase 3: Analytical Tools and FAIR Resources for Craniofacial Research,” the interdisciplinary research team shared datasets collected throughout the past decade and showcased their third-phase plans.

Additionally, they announced the welcoming (and thorough vetting) of new data submissions from those who have relevant data to share – compared to the first and second phases, during which FaceBase operated in a spoke-and-hub model and only accepted data submissions from spoke projects.

“Over the last 10 years, FaceBase has evolved as the most comprehensive data resource for the craniofacial research community,” said Associate Dean of Research and study principal investigator Yang Chai PhD ’91, DDS ’96. “With the support of NIDCR and our research colleagues throughout the world, we will continue to expand the data available through FaceBase in service of research to advance dental and craniofacial health.”

Read the full story at USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry

Published on September 23rd, 2020

Last updated on November 15th, 2022

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