FAIRtracks

FAIRtracks is an ecosystem for gathering, curating, validating, integrating, and indexing the metadata of genomic track datasets. Provided by ELIXIR Norway and ELIXIR Spain, it is endorsed by ELIXIR Europe as a Recommended Interoperability Resource (RIR). The ecosystem is designed for data providers, biocurators, tool developers, and researchers who work with genome browser track files and need to make those files discoverable and reusable across research contexts, following FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).

Genomic tracks are condensed data files routinely generated through standardised data processing workflows when novel genomic datasets are published. They are central to genome browsers and comparative analyses, yet their metadata often lacks the standardisation required for cross-dataset discovery. FAIRtracks addresses this gap by providing technical solutions that bring consistency to track metadata across repositories.

Key Features and Capabilities

• Metadata harmonisation — standardised schemas for describing genomic track datasets consistently across repositories
• Validation services — automated validation of track metadata against the FAIRtracks standard
• Search and discovery — indexing of harmonised metadata to enable cross-repository search for genomic tracks
• Full data lifecycle support — tools and guidance covering data generation, curation, publication, and reuse
• Community-driven approach — connects data providers, biocurators, tool developers, and researchers to bridge data gaps

FAIRtracks is accessible through the FAIRtracks website, which provides the FAIRtracks standard, associated tools, and community resources. As an ELIXIR-endorsed Recommended Interoperability Resource, it operates within the broader ELIXIR European infrastructure for life science data.