RNA Data Focus Group

Background

The field of transcriptomics is evolving rapidly with the emergence of next-generation RNA sequencing technologies and the rise of RNA-based therapies. Long-read sequencing and methods capable of detecting RNA modifications are transforming how RNA data are generated, processed and interpreted across many biological domains.

However, the pace of technological innovation has outstripped the development of shared standards, benchmarks and best practices. As more groups adopt these new sequencing platforms, the community faces common challenges around data format standardisation, benchmarking, and annotation.

The RNA Data Standards and Benchmarking Focus Group brings together experts from across ELIXIR to coordinate efforts in addressing these challenges. The group aims to promote interoperability, quality control and collaborative standard development, supporting ELIXIR Platforms and Communities that increasingly rely on RNA data in their research.

Goals

The Focus Group aims to:

• Develop common standards for new-generation RNA sequencing data, including features such as RNA modifications and novel isoforms
• Establish continuous benchmarking activities supported by shared reference datasets, validated pipelines and clear performance metrics
• Track emerging sequencing and analysis technologies through coordinated ‘technology watch’ efforts
• Improve annotation support and ontology development to interpret the expanding diversity of RNA molecules
• Foster collaboration across ELIXIR Platforms (Tools, Compute, Data, and Interoperability) and Communities (Systems Biology, Biodiversity, Single-cell Omics and Microbiome)

Activities

The group will:

• Launch benchmarking projects for long-read transcriptomics, beginning with activities at the ELIXIR BioHackathon Europe 2025 in Berlin
• Provide a network of experts in RNA data who are able to respond to suitable external funding opportunities
• Facilitate regular meetings and discussions to share updates, align efforts and monitor technological developments
• Support ELIXIR groups that are starting to integrate next-generation RNA sequencing into their workflow