Introduction
FAIRtracks is an ecosystem for gathering, curating, validating, integrating, and indexing the metadata of genomic track datasets. Provided by ELIXIR Norway and ELIXIR Spain, it is endorsed by ELIXIR Europe as a Recommended Interoperability Resource (RIR). The ecosystem provides technical solutions to make the abundance of genome browser track files discoverable and reusable in new research contexts, following FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).
What Are Genomic Tracks?
Genomic tracks are condensed data files routinely generated through standardised data processing workflows when novel genomic datasets are published. They are central to genome browsers and comparative analyses, yet their metadata often lacks the standardisation needed for cross-dataset discovery.
Key Features
- Metadata harmonisation — standardised schemas for describing genomic track datasets consistently across repositories
- Validation services — automated validation of track metadata against the FAIRtracks standard
- Search and discovery — indexing of harmonised metadata enables cross-repository search for genomic tracks
- Full data lifecycle support — tools and guidance from data generation through curation to publication and reuse
- Community-driven — connects data providers, biocurators, tool developers, and researchers to bridge data gaps
Getting Started
Explore the FAIRtracks standard, tools, and community resources on the FAIRtracks website.