Data

The Data Platform is coordinated by the National Research Council (CNR) through ELIXIR Italy’s hub in Bari and involves a distributed network of national institutions, including the University of Padova and University of Roma Tor Vergata, which contribute to European-level projects.

This structure enables the exchange of know-how and the development of shared methodologies, ensuring that Italian expertise contributes effectively to the European data ecosystem. The network includes specialists in bioinformatics, computational biology, and semantic data modelling, who collaborate to enhance the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of life science data.

Focus Areas of Activity

The platform’s activities cover several interconnected domains:

• FAIR data and Open Science: promoting standards and best practices for data sharing and reuse;
• Data brokering and integration: connecting national resources to the ELIXIR Europe infrastructure;
• Data curation and recognition: developing systems for attribution and credit of research data contributions;
• Scalable and automated curation: improving data quality from heterogeneous and supplementary sources;
• Benchmarking and sustainability: defining indicators and procedures for the long-term management of biological databases.
• Through these focus areas, the platform enhances the interoperability, visibility, and reliability of Italian life science data, while ensuring compliance with European FAIR data policies.

Synergy with ELIXIR Europe

ELIXIR-IT actively contributes to the European Data Platform through leadership in several Work Packages, including management and coordination, data brokering, and recognition of data contributions. Italian experts, such as Silvio Tosatto, Luana Licata and Ernesto Picardi, play key roles in shaping European strategies for FAIR data implementation, data sustainability, and credit attribution.

This alignment guarantees that national initiatives are fully integrated within the broader ELIXIR Data Platform, reinforcing Italy’s contribution to a sustainable and open European data ecosystem.