Two research initiatives from Leiden University have secured funding through the Dutch Research Council’s Thematic Digital Competence Centres (TDCC) programme, supporting efforts to improve digital research infrastructure and health data innovation in the Netherlands.
The projects are part of the Life Science & Health branch of the TDCC network and will share in more than €840,000 in funding awarded to three initiatives. The grants aim to help researchers better utilize digital technologies, data-sharing systems, and collaborative tools to drive scientific progress.
One of the funded projects, FAIRworkflow, focuses on improving the interoperability of bioinformatics workflow systems used in modern biological research. As scientific studies generate increasingly large datasets, researchers often face challenges when different analysis platforms fail to work together. The initiative seeks to develop shared standards, harmonization tools, and training resources that will make data analysis more efficient, reproducible, and beneficial for healthcare and scientific discovery.
The second project aims to strengthen the use of patient-generated health data in research. Researchers will identify leading technical solutions developed by patient communities and assess how these systems can support secure data sharing while adhering to FAIR data principles. The project also seeks to improve data management practices and expand access to valuable health information contributed directly by patients.
The funding reflects a broader commitment to advancing digital competence in research and healthcare, helping institutions leverage technology to improve collaboration, innovation, and real-world impact across the scientific community.
