STRhub: an open-access educational platform for CE and NGS STR data exploration in forensic genetics

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has been increasingly incorporated into forensic STR analysis, underscoring the need for resources that facilitate the conceptual transition between capillary electrophoresis (CE) profiles and sequence-based allele representation. Existing databases and tools provide population data, motif descriptions, or quality-controlled datasets, but these components are often accessed independently and rarely integrated within a single environment that serves as an educational infrastructure. STRhub is an open, multilingual web-based platform designed to integrate essential, openly available STR resources within a unified framework. The platform brings together CE mixture simulation, sequence annotation, motif and structural visualization, genomic coordinates and allele frequency panels derived from established sources such as STRidER, STRBase and other public datasets. Additional modules include the visualization of pre-aligned samples from the 1000 Genomes Project and tools such as a FASTA generator, intended to support training and exploratory learning in sequence-based STR interpretation. Rather than replacing existing databases or validated analytical software, STRhub complements them by linking components that are typically accessed separately and by reducing technical barriers associated with the initial exploration of NGS-based STR data. Overall, STRhub provides an accessible and continuously evolving environment for education, training and exploratory research in forensic genetics, supporting integrated interpretation of STR data across CE and NGS technologies. STRhub is freely accessible at https://strhub.app .