ELIXIR Bioinformatics Industry Forum (EBIF) 2025

to
BST

BMA House
Tavistock Square
London
WC1H 9JP
United Kingdom

Federated life science data analysis: Overcoming challenges for global impact

The annual ELIXIR Bioinformatics Industry Forum is a one-day event that brings together bioinformaticians and technical specialists to explore solutions to major challenges in the data-driven life science sector.

This year’s Forum theme is Federated life science data analysis: Overcoming Challenges for Global Impact. The programme features a variety of presentations from industry, academia and international organisations, offering the participants a chance to share experiences, good practices and research breakthroughs. The forum aims to stimulate discussions among solution providers and enable potential collaborations.

09:00–9:30

Registration and welcome coffee

09:30–10:00

Welcome to the event and Introduction to ELIXIR

10:00–11:00

Session 1: Publicly-funded initiatives in federated data analytics

  • European Genomic Data Infrastructure
  • GA4GH data sharing Standards
  • UK examples
11:30–12:00

Coffee break

11:30–13:00

Session 2: Industrial approaches in federated data analytics

  • Cross-pharma example in establishing a Federated Learning Framework:
    • Pistoia Alliance past projects
    • Mellody project
  • New approaches of service providers
13:00–14:00

Lunch break

14:00–14:45

Panel discussion

Fostering collaborations in federated data analytics: Challenges and Opportunities

15:00–16:55

Round-table discussions

Three-minute flash talk intro presentations of the topics

Two rounds of 30-minute discussions: first round: 15:10–15:50; second round: 15:50–16:30

  • How federated analysis would be feasible in EHDS cross-border context
    Chair: Mikka Kalberg, Development Manager, CSC – IT Center for Science Ltd, Finland
  • Leveraging AI in federated genomics: opportunities and challenges ahead
    Chair: Mark Bailey, CCO at Zetta Genomics
  • Tokenisation of data / the cost + volume of data
    Chair: Shirin Elizabeth Khorsandi
  • Initial steps in federated analysis and developing the appropriate ecosystem at the national level
    Chair: Christine Stansberg
  • Title TBC
    Chair: Philip Quinlan

Five-minute wrap-up discussion presentations

16:55–17:00

Wrap-up session

17:00 onwards

Networking drinks

Theme and objectives of the event

Theme summary: Federated life science data analysis faces significant challenges, including data privacy concerns, regulatory hurdles, and the need for standardised protocols to ensure interoperability. These obstacles hinder the seamless sharing and analysis of sensitive data, which is crucial for advancing research and innovation. The current landscape is fragmented, with various stakeholders employing different approaches and technologies, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. By fostering collaboration and dialogue, we hope to drive progress in federated life science data analysis and its applications. This event aims to bring together experts from academia and industry to share insights, best practices, and innovative solutions, and explore potential pre-competitive collaborations.

Objectives of the day:

  • Learn from best practices and experiences of established players
  • Understand the relevant ecosystem
  • Discover existing gaps and potential research business opportunities
  • Gain insights into research and technological breakthroughs
  • Encourage discussions among solution providers and foster potential collaborations

Target audience

Professionals from:

  • Large, medium and small enterprises from pharmas and service providers
  • Funding bodies
  • Academia
  • Nonprofit and public organisations
  • Patients’ and clinicians’ associations

With research interests in:

  • Health and life sciences
  • Data management
  • Innovative services in the above areas

Travel information

Address: BMA House, Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9JP. See this document for detailed information on how to get there.

Recommended accommodation:

  • Premier Inn Euston hotel
  • Tavistock hotel
  • Hilton London Euston
  • Premier Inn London St Pancras hotel

  • Background information

    See the Bioinformatics Industry Forum page.

    70
    participants per event, on average
    60
    companies joined our two F2F events
    92%
    of participants would recommend the event to their colleagues
    A very useful forum to connect with people from ELIXIR who are deeply embedded in the European space of bioinformatics while learning about latest advances in the field.
    - Sebastian Schwarz (Data Platform Strategy Lead, Owkin)
    A wonderful event, really excellent talks covering a range of relevant challenges which our community needs to think carefully about. And networking is always invaluable!
    - Anonymous
    Thank you providing such a brilliant forum for discussion. I have many actions and people to follow up with.
    - Anonymous