Global virus database GISAID pledges clarity on operations after Science article flags access issues
- Journal report says researchers’ access was cut off in response to criticism, which Global Initiative for Sharing All Influenza Data has denied
- ‘Totality of the facts raises important questions about GISAID and [its creator] Peter Bogner’, journalist pair who researched the article tell the Post
A key global virus database has said it is working to improve its governance and operations after a news investigation raised questions about transparency and access.
The Global Initiative for Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) was thrust into the spotlight after the journal Science reported on April 19 that researchers had been cut off from accessing the database. The report said the move was possibly retaliation for disagreeing with or criticising the initiative, which GISAID denied.
GISAID, launched in 2008, is widely used by scientists around the world to share information about the genome of flu viruses.
02:50
World Health Organization announces Covid-19 is no longer a global health emergency
The database has been used to inform decisions about when and how to update vaccines and treatments for Covid-19 and the flu.
Following a months-long investigation, Science published detailed accounts of scientists temporarily losing access to GISAID’s data stream and receiving intimidating calls or messages after being critical of the platform.
