GHGA at the genomDE symposium: The Infrastructure for Genomic Data

How can genomic data translate into better research and clinical care? This question was at the heart of the genomDE Symposium 2026, held in Bonn on 28 and 29 September. Bringing together stakeholders from healthcare, research, policy, infrastructure and patient organisations, the symposium highlighted the progress of the genomDE Model Project and explored the path towards a connected, learning health data ecosystem.

A key theme was that advancing genomic medicine depends on connected infrastructures, reliable data, secure access and the tools and expertise needed to interpret genomic information.

GHGA contributes to these efforts through its established genomic data infrastructure and the expertise of its participating institutions. An important link is the role of institutions and people behind the GHGA Data Hubs, which also run the Genome Data Centers (GDCs) within genomDE. As a result, the Model Project builds directly on GHGA’s expertise in managing and providing access to genomic data.

At the symposium, five GHGA posters showcased how these contributions extend beyond infrastructure to the practical workflows and collaboration needed to make genomic data usable. GHGA develops open-source tools that support data submission and quality control, contributes expertise in secure processing environments (SPEs) and supports genomic data reanalysis. These activities help establish the practical foundations for preparing, accessing and, importantly, analysing genomic data securely and reliably also in the upcoming European Health Data Space (EHDS).

The posters also highlighted GHGA’s work on patient-oriented communication. Making complex topics around genomic data and its use in research more accessible is an important part of building understanding and trust in both infrastructures and research activities.

GHGA was also represented throughout the programme. Prof. Oliver Kohlbacher co-chaired a session on the status and perspectives of the genomDE Model Project, Prof. Oliver Stegle presented new AI-based tools for genetics, and Prof. Dieter Beule joined the final panel on a learning and interconnected health data ecosystem.

The symposium highlighted the importance of bringing together existing expertise, infrastructures and workflows to build a connected genomic data ecosystem. GHGA’s contributions to the genomDE Model Project are part of this broader effort to establish reliable foundations for the secure and sustainable use of genomic data in research and healthcare.