[Prospects for national biological big data centers].

Area of Science:

• Bioinformatics
• Data Science
• Genomics

Background:

• Scientific big data drives innovation and economic development.
• China generates substantial biological data, vital for health and security.
• Current data loss and reliance on international centers necessitate a national system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance and urgency of establishing a national biological big data center in China.
• To analyze the current situation and future prospects of biological data management.
• To introduce international biological data centers, using NCBI as an example.

Main Methods:

• Review of international biological data center development (e.g., NCBI).
• Analysis of China's current biological data landscape.
• Discussion of the strategic importance and opportunities for a national center.

Main Results:

• China faces challenges with isolated data storage and management.
• There is a critical need for a national-level life big data storage and management system.
• The BIG Data Center at Beijing Institute of Genomics has initiated efforts in data deposition, integration, and translation.

Conclusions:

• Establishing a national biological big data center is imperative for China.
• Such a center will enhance China's international competitiveness in life science research.
• Initial progress has been made by the BIG Data Center, indicating a positive trajectory.