Towards a unified data infrastructure to support European and global microbiome research: a call to action

High-quality microbiome research relies on the integrity, management and quality of supporting data. Currently biobanks and culture collections have different formats and approaches to data management. This necessitates a standard data format to underpin research, particularly in line with the FAIR data standards of findability, accessibility, interoperability and reusability. We address the importance of a unified, coordinated approach that ensures compatibility of data between that needed by biobanks and culture collections, but also to ensure linkage between bioinformatic databases and the wider research community.

Automated summary

High-quality microbiome research relies on the integrity, management and quality of supporting data. A standard data format is needed to underpin research and comply with FAIR data standards, ensuring findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability. A unified, coordinated approach is crucial to ensure data compatibility and linkage between biobanks, culture collections, bioinformatic databases, and the wider research community.