NeoSpan will focus on designing a prototype workflow for retrieving and spatially mapping neoantigens from spatial omics datasets. As interest in spatially resolved biology is growing, researchers need tools to combine mutation detection, neoantigen prediction, gene expression and spatial coordinates in a unified analysis. As part of this Staff Exchange, Greek and Dutch teams will develop the initial framework for this pipeline, drawing on their combined expertise in single-cell and spatial omics, cancer immunology and computational method development.
There will be several phases involved in the project, including requirements-gathering, development of core modules, integration, usability improvements and visualisation, followed by testing and refinement. A pilot workshop will be held near the end of the exchange to introduce the prototype to interested ELIXIR Nodes. The intention is that the workflow will later be adapted for wider use and maintained through established workflow communities.
Beyond the technical outputs, the exchange will strengthen cross-Node collaboration in spatial omics, contribute to SCONE-related activities and provide substantial training opportunities for the participating researcher.
