University of Southampton joins ELIXIR-UK to advance bioinformatics, data stewardship and open science

The University of Southampton has become the latest institution to join ELIXIR-UK, the UK Node of the European life sciences data infrastructure.

Southampton’s membership is championed by Prof Rob Ewing (School of Biological Sciences), a former ELIXIR Data Stewardship Fellow (2021) and a sponsored BioHackathon attendee, who will promote ELIXIR activities across the university and encourage engagement with ELIXIR communities and focus groups.

Southampton brings notable bioinformatics research capability to the ELIXIR-UK DRI.

Prof Rob Ewing, Steering Committee representative for the University of Southampton, says:

“The University of Southampton has a strong and growing community working across bioinformatics, data stewardship and research software. ELIXIR-UK gives us a framework to connect that work with colleagues across the UK and Europe, and to contribute to infrastructure that benefits the whole research community.”

Dr Elisa Fadda leads GlycoShape, the largest open-access 3D structure database of complex carbohydrates (glycans) in the world, which has attracted an average of 18–20 users per day since October 2024. This expertise in computational glyco-bioinformatics will strengthen and complement the current offerings available through ELIXIR’s Tools, Data and Training Platforms.

Prof Sarah Ennis works on transforming clinical data into research-ready formats, collaborating with the Human Phenotype Ontology group and the Wessex Secure Data Environment, and leads BiOmics, an annual regional conference that Southampton plans to co-host with ELIXIR-UK.

The university’s bioinformatics facility Bio-R, led by Dr Ian Reddin, is developing secure data analysis capabilities through a partnership with the Wessex Secure Data Environment. This could become a valuable resource for ELIXIR-UK members needing access to UK-based secure data platforms.

In data stewardship, Dr Samantha Pearman-Kanza leads CaSDaR, a UKRI-funded project (2025–2029) that promotes Data Stewardship as a recognised career pathway through fellowships and internships, with ELIXIR-UK members serving on its Managing Board, strengthening an already strong connection with Southampton.

Prof Simon Hettrick chairs the Hidden REF project and directs the Southampton Research Software Group. ELIXIR-UK has a clear commitment to recognising diverse research contributions and promoting FAIR data stewardship, and is well aligned with both initiatives — previous ELIXIR projects have already received Hidden REF awards.

“Southampton has long been aligned with ELIXIR through data stewardship, training and community activity. Joining ELIXIR-UK as a member is a natural next step, and we look forward to contributing more formally to the network and to the wider community it supports.”

Prof Rob Ewing