Building the future of Bioinformatics in Italy

ELIXIR Italy is organised around a set of technical platforms and thematic communities that work together to support life science research.

The platforms provide services, resources, and expertise in specific areas, including data management, bioinformatics tools, computing infrastructure, interoperability, omics technologies, and training.

Alongside the platforms, ELIXIR Italy relies on active communities of researchers, developers, and technical experts. These communities contribute to the development, use, and continuous improvement of services, foster collaboration, and help align national activities with the broader ELIXIR ecosystem.

This structure allows ELIXIR Italy to combine technical support with community-driven innovation, ensuring that services remain responsive to the needs of the research community.

They are the same entity. ELIXIR-IIB is the official name of the JRU, while ELIXIR-IT is the name of the Italian ELIXIR Node, which corresponds to ELIXIR-IIB. Similarly, the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB) corresponds to the ELIXIR-Switzerland Node.

Membership in the Joint Research Unit (JRU) is open to research institutions and private organisations active in bioinformatics R&D that play a significant role at the national level and can provide substantial added value to the infrastructure.
An institution can become a full member when it meets at least two of the following conditions:

1. A workforce of 500 or more staff members.
2. A sustained and demonstrable track record in developing leading bioinformatics resources and/or producing large volumes of biological data.
3.  Access to significant IT capacities that can be shared and integrated within the ELIXIR-IIB infrastructure.

Associate (junior) membership is also available for all other Italian public institutions or private organisations that do not meet these criteria but are still interested in participating in the activities of the JRU.

Submission
Applications for JRU membership should be submitted to the JRU Manager by the institution’s legal representative or an authorized delegate. They must follow the guidelines provided in the ELIXIR Node Application form (Annex 1) and include a concise statement describing the applicant’s contribution to the portfolio of resources and services currently available or managed within the JRU (SDP).

Evaluation
The ELIXIR-IT Management and Control Committee (CGC) reviews applications to assess whether the admission criteria are met.

Approval
Membership becomes effective only upon approval by the General Assembly, through a two-thirds qualified majority vote.

Membership in ELIXIR Italy is not required to access ELIXIR services or participate in training courses. However, membership is necessary to take part in the activities of platforms, communities, and focus groups, as well as to be eligible for internal funding opportunities.

Participation mainly takes place through involvement in the working groups: technology platforms, user communities, and focus groups. The first step is therefore to apply for your relevant group at ELIXIR Europe and inform the Italian contact person for that group.

It is the portfolio of services provided by ELIXIR Italy, including tools, databases, dedicated websites, training courses, and other resources offered to researchers by the Italian node members. ELIXIR Italy services that are part of the SDP must comply with the node’s quality policies and are subject to periodic evaluations.

A Head of Node provides the strategic, scientific, and organisational leadership of a national ELIXIR node, representing it at European level and acting as the main liaison with the ELIXIR Hub. The role ensures alignment with ELIXIR’s mission and long-term strategy, coordinates national activities, and supports the sustainable development of the node and its communities.

The Local Technical Coordinator is a designated contact at each JRU member institution. They are responsible for the technical coordination of their institution with the Italian node and the wider European infrastructure. This includes, for example, managing authentication services and overseeing the services provided by the institution.

A Training Coordinator coordinates, supports, and strengthens training activities in bioinformatics and data-driven life sciences at national level, playing a key role in ensuring the availability of high-quality, accessible, and well-coordinated training to support researchers at different career stages and across disciplines.