Supporting European and global efforts to sustain the global biodata ecosystem

This action continues and builds on an international initiative supporting the long-term sustainability of and access to key biodata resources for life sciences R&I, as executed through an organisation named the Global Biodata Coalition. The experience from this initiative underlines the continued need for global coordination to support and protect the fragile and vulnerable ecosystem of biodata resources that are essential for life sciences, including the ongoing and growing need to enhance the quality, reliability, interoperability and accessibility of biodata. In this context, the proposal should address:

• The establishment of a secretariat supporting the work needed for the achievement of this objective, including through the identification of (and interaction with) global biodata resources. The secretariat provides activities which inform and support the funding community about how best to ensure the health and well-being of the global biodata ecosystem, including providing technical advice and expertise to strengthen institutional and administrative capacity to accelerate financial support for the planning, development and implementation of biodata resources.
• The establishment of a governance framework and the creation of a fora for discussion of strategic funding priorities and strategic decision-making to ensure long-term support and sustainability of the global biodata ecosystem.

The work of the secretariat and governance framework should address global and European needs in biodata sustainability, taking into account specific contexts. The Secretariat will advocate and promote awareness of global ethical and data standards and principles arising from relevant international, European and national law.

It is expected that the proposal has a period of implementation of at least five years.