The Global Biodata Coalition (GBC) is hosting a series of Sustainability Lab workshops, bringing together experts from a range of disciplines and sectors with funders and biodata resource providers and users to explore key topics associated with biodata resource sustainability. The workshops aim to stimulate new thinking and help spark new cooperative approaches to enhance the sustainability of the global biodata infrastructure.
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Sustainability Lab (August 2025): Building innovative solutions for global biodata sustainability
The first Sustainability Lab was held in Montreal, Canada on 19-20 August 2025, and built on the GBC’s White Paper that was published in January 2025 and set out principles and models for cooperative approaches to enhance biodata sustainability. It included a diverse group of around 30 innovators, with biodata resource providers being joined by experts in economics, science-of-science, behavioural sciences, physical and environmental sciences, science policy and data service leaders in commercial and not-for-profit sectors.
Through a series of pitches, case studies and lightning talks, participants highlighted a wide range of innovative models that could potentially be applied to the biodata sustainability challenge. Workshop participants co-developed proposals for potential pilots to test some of these ideas – including forging new partnerships with AI companies, developing equitable approaches to segment users and generate revenue, and developing value-add services across biodata resources to enhance public good.
