GISAID

GISAID is an open access digital database that provides access to genomic data of influenza viruses and, more recently, coronaviruses. Its full name is the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data. Founded in 2008, GISAID was initially established to facilitate the rapid sharing of influenza virus sequences to support global public health efforts in understanding and responding to influenza outbreaks and pandemics.

The platform allows researchers and public health officials worldwide to upload and access genetic sequences of viruses. This open sharing mechanism is crucial for tracking viral evolution, identifying new strains, and developing diagnostic tools, vaccines, and antiviral treatments. GISAID's data is used by scientists to monitor the spread of viruses, assess their transmissibility and virulence, and inform public health policies.

Following the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, GISAID expanded its scope to include coronavirus genomic data. This expansion proved vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling swift global collaboration and research into the virus's variants and spread. GISAID operates under a data access agreement that requires users to acknowledge the origin of the data and use it responsibly for public health purposes. Its contribution to global health security is widely recognized.