Modern research requires the use of standards: the CHARME project and its aims

Introduction One of the most pressing need of modern research is efficient data sharing and integration, but tools and legislation about standards and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that scientists can currently use are still not enough comprehensive, efficient and well harmonised. The production of omics data, by the use of High Throughput Next Generation Sequencing Technologies (HT-NGS), is providing incredible amounts of data at a rate much higher than the one taken to the scientists for to analyse and interpret them. This unbalanced situation prevents the scientific community to exploit the full potential that this "data production revolution" provides. The use of standards for the production and publication of research data is essential to maximize the results of research efforts and technology transfer because only standards can assure and ensure quality, efficient sharing and data interoperability. Reproducibility is essential for good research practices and reproducibility of data and experimental procedures can be obtained only if research data are produced and published by adhering to well established quality standards. Standards and SOPs must be key elements of any research project and be adopted in lab procedure as well as for in silico data production, storage and analysis. The CHARME project: "Harmonising standardisation strategies to increase efficiency and competitiveness of European life-science research", is a COST Action (CA 15110) whose main goal is to unite experts from all areas of scientific research and strategic development (academia, industry, policy, legal, ethical, etc.), joining their expertise to address needs and challenges along the value chain for life sciences research across Europe. The objectives are to address main gaps in standards and SOPs in different research domains, co-ordinate current research efforts in this field, integrate different stakeholder groups in CHARME's activities, co-develop a common research roadmap on quality management and standardization to provide the European Commission the support for the positioning of Europe as a "leading partner" in international standardisation and standardisation activities in life sciences, including input for technology transfer and cooperation with private enterprises. Methods To achieve the CHARME's 4-year vision, an integrated project strategy has been designed to ensure de-centralised decision-making and enhanced cooperation between the different stakeholders and partners. The leverage of the COST Action CHARME relates to four pillars: 1) the creation of a network of all relevant stakeholder groups involved in standardisation, to exchange and harmonise activities; 2) the development of a cross-cutting education and training strategy to raise awareness and facilitate the implementation of standards and SOPs; 3) strengthening of innovation creation and technology transfer; 4) strategy development to urge the implementation of standards and SOPs. This will be achieved via conferences and thematic workshops, short-term scientific missions, training schools and symposia, and deployment of standards optimising the transfer from basic research into innovation. Conferences and thematic workshops will be essential for to involve as many as possible experts from pan-European standardisation projects and initiatives, and attract as many as possible stakeholders, to present and discuss the state of the art in their specific research domain, to address current challenges and to collaborate with CHARME in finding and develop new effective solutions. Results On March 21st, representatives from 26 countries met in Brussels to execute the kick-off meeting. The participants exchanged information about the need for understanding formats and standards f