Furthermore, GENEVA's policy to promote data sharing and collaboration, not only within GENEVA but also with other consortia and collaborations outside of GENEVA, has presented unique challenges in harmonization. Our experience demonstrates that systematic planning by a knowledgeable Coordinating Center, a team of collaborative investigators, and engaged program staff from the funding agency, are critical for maximizing the scientific return from large-scale GWAS. Collaborations such as GENEVA can stimulate development of novel methodologies for phenotype harmonization which, hopefully, will actively translate into steps towards identification of genetic loci important for traits related to health and disease.
