"Nightingale HQ helped us quickly build on the success of an open knowledge and data sharing platform with serohub.net to support researchers globally.​ They took our requirements to build a centralised hub of resources and delivered on key functions like the ability to add research studies, publications and even share case-based data.​ The result has enabled our partners to contribute easily and at speed their knowledge and tools, helping to improve evidence-based decision-making on COVID-19. "

Stephan Glöckner - Helmoltz, Project Lead, LEOSS.sero-survey

As a response to the worldwide pandemic, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research in Germany required a fast and secure way for researchers to share COVID-19 data.

The result was Serohub, a platform to accelerate research about the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2. We delivered a platform to enable researchers, government, and industry partners to contribute knowledge and tools and ultimately improve evidence-based decision-making on COVID-19.

Approach

The overall approach was to support the increased use of data-driven approaches for infection research and drive greater collaboration. The project had four primary aims:

1. be a community space for researchers
2. allow for critical appraisal of diagnostic trials
3. host study-related documents
4. be a cloud-based, meta-analysis platform

Objectives

• Build a centralised platform where researchers can share studies, publications, and data easily
• Incorporate four key platform elements: community, trial summary, document, and meta-analysis
• Train and support staff in adopting and maintaining the platform to ensure long-term sustainability

Achievements

• Align with research, management, and technical teams on data infrastructure and content
• Built a sharing facility using the Netlify CMS to allow easy study management
• Used GitHub to enable greater levels of collaboration in a cost-effective way
• Delivered a general public website and a service environment for researchers
• Trained and onboarded staff to use and maintain the platform effectively ensuring scalability

Key results

• Serohub platform launched
• 105 Publications uploaded
• 6 major research studies shared
• Collaborations across 3 continents