Italy validates FEGA prototype for genomic data sharing

Italy has successfully validated its first national prototype of the Federated European Genome-Phenome Archive (FEGA), a critical step toward advancing precision medicine. Developed through a collaboration between ELIXIR Italia, the Ministry of Health, and the National Research Council (CNR), the infrastructure is designed for the secure, interoperable, and controlled sharing of human genomic data.

The prototype has passed verification by the FEGA European Strategic Committee, confirming its compliance with technical and organizational requirements. This validation paves the way for the node to move into full production. The initiative is part of the broader Genomic Data Infrastructure (GDI) project, funded by the European Commission, which aims to build a future European genomic infrastructure.

Under this federated model, genomic data remains stored within national infrastructures, ensuring data sovereignty and compliance with European personal data protection regulations. However, the system allows for cross-border collaboration by making data searchable and interoperable through common standards. This development supports the European Health Data Space and the ‘1+ Million Genomes’ initiative, facilitating biomedical research, innovation, and personalized healthcare.