In October 2016, the Human Cell Atlas (HCA) initiative launched its planning process. The following year was spent by the HCA community laying out the best way to build such an Atlas while ensuring high-quality, open-access data and global equity. This initial planning phase of meetings, discussions, and early pilot projects has now culminated in the release of the Human Cell Atlas white paper.

In this document, openly available for download, we provide an overview of the effort; our framework for the first draft of the atlas; descriptions of the technology and data analysis tools available to build the atlas; an introduction to the Data Coordination Platform that will host the data for researchers worldwide; a deeper look at biological systems we plan to explore and map; and details on the organization and governance of the HCA consortium and its relationships to the public (including ethical considerations regarding organ and tissue donors) and to funding support.

The white paper is a living document, adapting to the needs of the HCA effort. Therefore, the HCA Organizing Committee, on behalf of the entire HCA community, will be soliciting public comment on this document shortly. Please check back for how to share your feedback

Download the White Paper here.