Decentralized databases in biomedical research: lessons from recent events : The recent shutdown of critical health databases by the US CDC is a wake-up call for the research community about the vulnerability of centralised databases.

Biological and medical databases are crucial resources without which biomedical research would come to a halt. However, centralized databases often face vulnerabilities, particularly when dependent on single institutions. In contrast, distributed databases enhance resilience, encourage international collaboration, and promote scientific advancement by supporting shared responsibility and improved accessibility. [Image: see text]