Given the diverse nature of studies supported by GENEVA and their lack of familiarity with each others' phenotypes, the GENEVA Steering Committing agreed that phenotype harmonization was a core task warranting investigator participation and leadership, so a PHS was created. The PHS includes individual study, NIH and CC representatives who are interested in harmonization of specific phenotypes and exposures or in increasing sample size for improving power of analyses in their areas of investigation. The Subcommittee provides a forum for discussion of common problems, sets policies, identifies phenotypes common across studies, encourages data sharing, establishes and oversees phenotype-specific WGs, and provides advice, direction and feedback to the CC regarding phenotype harmonization and related issues.
