Momentum for GHGA: NFDI Expert Committee Recommends Continued Support

GHGA has received a positive funding recommendation from the NFDI Expert Committee of the German Research Foundation (DFG), supporting its continuation into the second phase of the National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI). This is an important step forward—not only for GHGA, but for the broader vision of secure, FAIR, and responsible genomic data sharing in Germany.

Since its launch at the end of 2020, GHGA has been building the infrastructure needed to make sensitive human omics data more findable, accessible, and usable for research — without compromising individual privacy. The funding recommendation affirms the value of this work and opens the door to expanding GHGA’s services: from data analysis tools to improved interoperability across national and international platforms.

The final funding decision is expected in July from the Joint Science Conference (GWK). Until then, GHGA remains focused on building tools and systems that make genomic research easier, more secure, and more impactful—for researchers, patients, and society.

Political Support Signals Long-Term Commitment

In parallel to the decision of the DFG expert panel, there is also strong momentum on the political level. The new coalition agreement between CDU, CSU, and SPD explicitly backs the continued development of the NFDI as a long-term infrastructure (page 80). This national-level commitment reinforces the importance of sustained investment in data infrastructures that fuel research, healthcare innovation, and digital sovereignty.