BBMRI-ERIC and the ICSC sign a Memorandum of Understanding to foster collaboration

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High-capacity processing and storage of sensitive health data was not only a major topic at EBW25, it is also one of the defining challenges for modern health research. To meet this challenge, BBMRI-ERIC and the ICSC, the Italian National Research Center in High Performance Computing, Big Data and Quantum Computing, implemented and managed by the ICSC Foundation have officially expressed their strong interest in fostered collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding.

BBMRI-ERIC and the ICSC Foundation are both founding Nodes of the EOSC Federation. In this crucial build-up stage, the Federation links data repositories and services that will be instrumental for Open Science to progress in Europe. This early cross Node collaboration between BBMRI-ERIC and the ICSC Foundation is significant, as Prof. Jens K. Habermann, BBMRI-ERIC’s Director General, explains:

“Cooperation between ICSC and BBMRI will enable the widest possible access to scientific communities and exchange of knowledge and experience. Better data management and sharing with ICSC and BBMRI users will also provide capacity for secure and trusted data processing environments for sensitive health data. The result will enable new collaborative approaches at larger scale.”

Prof. Antonio Zoccoli, President of the ICSC Foundation, adds:

“We look forward to close cooperation between ICSC and BBMRI. Built on and expanding the principles of sharing and collaboration at the heart of the EOSC initiative, this will further strengthen Europe’s capacity to manage health data and develop innovative analytical tools, always in full compliance with privacy and EU regulations.”

Further reading:

• Read our recent article about BBMRI-ERIC becoming one of the founding Nodes of the EOSC foundation.
• Listen to Prof. Zoccoli discussing the collaboration at Europe Biobank Week Congress 2025.
• Read about more highlights from EBW25 here.

About ICSC

ICSC is Italy’s Research Centre dedicated to High Performance Computing (HPC), Big Data, and Quantum Computing, established under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRPP) to advance strategic sectors and foster innovation from research to industry. The centre is developing an advanced cloud-based supercomputing infrastructure by federating and upgrading national resources and promoting top-tier training for highly skilled professionals. In collaboration with private and public partners, ICSC also accelerates innovation transfer through the development of pioneering solutions in Digital Twins, Artificial Intelligence, and Quantum Computing, unlocking the scientific and socio-economic value of massive data volumes.

About BBMRI-ERIC

BBMRI-ERIC is the European Research Infrastructure for biobanking and biomolecular resources established in 2013 under EU legislation. BBMRI-ERIC enables the development of innovative technology and processes as a cross-domain network that facilitates responsible access to high quality samples, data and biomolecular resources. We achieve this through multidisciplinary expertise and service provision, scientific excellence, knowledge exchange and partnerships in health and life sciences. BBMRI-ERIC’s vision is simplified as: “Biobanking for a Healthier World”. Its headquarters are in Graz, Austria.