Reflections on the GBC's Impact Study Series

Over the past few weeks, our social media campaign on biodata impact has taken a deep dive into six key impact studies, each illustrating how biodata underpins critical advances in health, the economy, and the environment. These studies were researched and developed in collaboration with Research Consulting. In each case, we worked backwards — starting with a groundbreaking discovery and tracing it to the foundational biodata that made it possible. This approach not only reinforced the vital role of biodata but also highlighted the often-overlooked infrastructures that sustain scientific progress.

In our impact study entitled Public Health & Therapeutics, we illustrate how mRNA vaccine technology—responsible for COVID-19 vaccines—relied on decades of biodata including viral genome sequences and protein structures. Without repositories for these biodata, the rapid development of vaccines would not have been possible. This study also examines antibiotic resistance, highlighting how vital global bacterial genomics databases are instrumental in tracking resistance patterns, enabling policymakers to implement targeted interventions to protect public health. Continuing our impact work in the area of Rare Diseases and Genetic Diagnostics, our study shows the importance of patient genome registries in accelerating the identification of new genetic conditions, leading to improved diagnostics and treatments. Important advances in childhood cancer survivability are examined in the study on Children's Health, highlighting in particular how advances in digital infrastructure and biodata resources have significantly improved health outcomes for children, leading to increased five-year survival rates for childhood cancers.

Many positive economic impacts can also be tied back to biodata: the study entitled Economic Activity & Industry Applications highlights one such example in the development of Brewers’ Clarex. This important enzyme has been instrumental in accelerating clarification in the brewing process and removing gluten from beer.? In this way, both eliminating a time-consuming—and hence costly—step and enabling the production of gluten-free options that tap into a growing market demand.

Addressing the challenges of climate change and food security requires robust and reliable biodata. The Environmental Research & Climate Science impact study highlights how long-term atmospheric and oceanic data have been crucial in developing accurate climate models—essential tools for informing policy decisions and mitigation strategies. At the same time, the Agriculture & Food Security impact study demonstrates how large-scale plant genomics data is driving innovations in sustainable food production. By identifying and developing resilient crop strains that can withstand climate stress—such as drought, heat, and soil degradation—scientists are ensuring that agricultural systems remain productive despite changing environmental conditions.

Through this series, we’ve demonstrated that biodata is not just a by-product of research—it is the foundation of discovery. Sustained investment in biodata infrastructure is essential for future breakthroughs. The impact is clear. #BiodataCounts.

Read the Impact Study series here