The Global Biodata Coalition has launched a new strategy 2026-2030 setting out its priorities for the coming years, with a focus on expanding its global community, increasing visibility and developing practical approaches to biodata sustainability. The strategy will guide GBC’s work as it continues to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities in biodata sustainability.
Biodata resources provide essential infrastructure for research across health, agriculture, biodiversity, environmental science and biotechnology. They are also becoming increasingly important for emerging and rapidly evolving technologies, including artificial intelligence. Yet despite their critical role, many of these resources continue to face uncertain long-term funding.
Philippe Sanseau, Executive Head of GBC, said “This strategy represents an important acceleration of GBC’s activities by being not only the unique global forum for discussing and addressing biodata resources sustainability among funders but also becoming a more action-oriented organisation. We are building an engaged community around the GBC vision and I’m looking forward to working with our members, observers, Global Core Biodata Resources and Scientific Advisory Committee to create lasting impact for the global biodata community.”
From strategy to action
Having started to build an engaged community, demonstrated the value of biodata resources and shaped international discussions about sustainability of biodata resources, the GBC will accelerate its engagement with diverse stakeholders and increase its efforts on practical outcomes for funders, resource owners and biodata users. Over the next five years, GBC will focus on five strategic priorities.
- Refreshing its governance and operating model to support a growing and more diverse global community,
- Expanding engagement with funders from different regions and sectors, including industry and philanthropy.
- Strengthening partnerships with biodata resource providers and supporting the continued development of the Global Core Biodata Resources.
- Piloting and evaluating innovative sustainability models that can inform future investment approaches.
- Raising GBC’s visibility and communicating the value of sustained investment in biodata infrastructure to funders, policymakers and the wider research community.
Building on success
Over the past five years, the Global Biodata Coalition has built strong relationships with funders, policymakers, international organisations and the global biodata community. During this time, the GBC completed an inventory of global biodata resources, established a network of 52 Global Core Biodata Resources (GCBRs), selected through a rigorous expert-led process, and has carried out research to better understand their global use and impact.
Together, this work has shaped a White Paper highlighting the sustainability challenges facing biodata resources and setting out nine principles and potential models for international collaboration to help secure their long-term future.
Read more
The Global Biodata Coalition Strategy 2026–2030 is available to read here.