Despite the vital importance of biodata resources to global research, their long-term sustainability and that of the infrastructure they comprise, remains uncertain. Many depend on short-term funding streams, often provided by just one or a few funders, with these sources of funding being highly vulnerable.
The Global Biodata Coalition (GBC) is dedicated to securing stable, sustainable funding for the global biodata infrastructure and its component biodata resources. We aim to work with funders, biodata resource leaders and other key stakeholders to explore and develop cooperative approaches to advance this goal.
In January 2025, the GBC published a White Paper entitled Working Cooperatively for Global Biodata Sustainability, which identifies the key areas where research funders, biodata resources, and wider stakeholder communities might work together to develop sustainable approaches to supporting the global biodata infrastructure.
The GBC’s sustainability efforts are currently focused on its White Paper entitled Working Cooperatively for Global Biodata Sustainability, published in January 2025, and building on cooperative approaches to biodata sustainability.
The White Paper identifies the key areas where research funders need to work with biodata resources and wider stakeholder communities to build solutions.
GBC will use the White Paper to stimulate discussion and catalyse action at national, regional, and global levels.
Join the conversation! We would welcome your feedback on the ideas set out in the White Paper. You can comment on LinkedIn or email us at .
The Sustainability Working Group’s Consultation Paper was made available for community feedback via the GBC’s Zenodo channel between 2 October 2023 and 22 January 2024. This Paper drew on the output from a cross-funder Working Group comprised of experts from GBC member and observer organisations. The consultation period is now closed but if you have feedback or questions please direct them to David Carr at .