ELIXIR CZ is entering a new operational stage, facing challenges from growing user numbers and emerging life science technologies. The challenge has evolved from data overflow to a multifaceted problem, presenting a significant chance for versatile solutions that are compatible, resilient, and user-focused. Being part of the European infrastructure ELIXIR, ELIXIR CZ will leverage its recognized expertise. A clear strategy is vital to uphold dedication, compatibility with European partners, and global relevance. In line with the ELIXIR CZ Scientific Advisory Board’s assessment, we developed a strategy based on our strengths and expertise, with five recommended growth areas. This forms the foundation for the ELIXIR CZ Strategy for years 2020-2025.
Motto of ELIXIR CZ Strategy 2020-2025:
“Growing on existing strengths, establishing new fields of expertise”
Highlights of Progress from 2020–2025
During the 2020–2025 period, ELIXIR CZ achieved substantial progress that has significantly strengthened both the national bioinformatics landscape and the Czech Republic’s contribution to the wider ELIXIR community. This period was marked by scientific innovation, technological development, and deepening integration with European research infrastructures.
ELIXIR CZ expanded and enhanced its portfolio of high-impact tools and databases, positioning the Czech ELIXIR node as a centre of excellence in multiple scientific domains. In structural bioinformatics, tools such as MOLE, CaverDock, Caver, FireProt, and related resources gained international visibility and adoption, underpinned by high-quality curated datasets and advanced analysis methods. In genomics, national databases such as AmtDB, GlobalFungi, GlobalAMFungi, HERVd, REXdb, and rPredictorDB matured into vital international reference resources. ELIXIR CZ also delivered stable, well-maintained analytical tools including RepeatExplorer, ASAFind, scdrake, rboAnalyzer, and others, demonstrating consistent technical reliability and scientific relevance.
A major achievement of this period was the consolidation of ELIXIR CZ as a European leader in data management and AAI. The Data Stewardship Wizard became one of the flagship solutions for machine-actionable data management planning, adopted widely across ELIXIR, EOSC, and major European projects. The Life Science AAI remained a critical access infrastructure across the network, supporting secure and federated authentication for research communities. Significant contributions were made to semantic interoperability through the development and extension of conceptual modelling methodologies and contributions to the EDAM ontology.
ELIXIR CZ also advanced national preparedness for working with sensitive human genomic and clinical data. Its active role in the 1+MG and GDI initiatives positioned the Czech Republic among the countries shaping Europe’s emerging federated genomic data infrastructure. Early TRE concepts, federated analytics activities, and the development of precision-medicine-oriented computational tools established a foundation for the next strategic phase.
Finally, training and community engagement experienced substantial growth. Dozens of national and international workshops, hackathons, and training events were delivered, broadening the user base and supporting researchers across disciplines. Through participation in ELIXIR Communities, EOSC initiatives, and European consortia, ELIXIR CZ strengthened its scientific impact, improved service visibility, and ensured that Czech expertise contributed to shaping Europe’s shared bioinformatics infrastructure.
