The ELIXIR CDR designation is awarded to Europe’s most important life science data services. These resources are recognised for their scientific excellence, their central role in biological and biomedical research, and their commitment to long-term data preservation and accessibility. Together with ELIXIR Deposition Databases and Recommended Interoperability Resources, CDRs form a trusted ecosystem that improves visibility and sustainability of data resources while providing clarity for researchers, journals, and research funders.
A foundational resource for regulatory genomics
JASPAR is an open-access, expertly curated database of transcription factor binding profiles. These profiles describe how transcription factors recognise and bind to specific DNA sequences. The database covers multiple taxonomic groups, including vertebrates, plants, fungi, insects, and nematodes.
What sets JASPAR apart is its non-redundant structure, open licensing, and strong emphasis on manual curation and transparency. As a result, it has become a highly trusted and widely adopted resource in regulatory genomics, supporting research into gene regulation, transcriptional control, and computational modelling of regulatory networks. JASPAR data are used daily by researchers worldwide, both directly through its web interface and indirectly through integration into countless bioinformatics pipelines and tools.
The most recent JASPAR release, published in December 2025, further expanded the database by incorporating deep learning models that better capture the complex binding patterns of transcription factors.
Recognition of a long-term international effort
The work behind JASPAR is currently led by Anthony Mathelier at NCMBM and is the result of an extensive international collaboration spanning more than two decades.
“I am very proud to see JASPAR officially recognised as a Core Data Resource by ELIXIR”, says Mathelier. “It is wonderful to see JASPAR join the ranks of other well-established European resources. This achievement has only been possible thanks to the hard work and dedication of everyone who has contributed to the JASPAR project over the years across several institutions and countries, especially Albin Sandelin, Boris Lenhard, and Wyeth Wasserman, whose vision has guided this fantastic resource since its creation in 2004.”
Since its inception, JASPAR has been shaped by a strong commitment to openness, scientific rigour, and community engagement; principles that closely align with ELIXIR’s mission to coordinate and sustain life science data resources across Europe.
A strong role for Norway and ELIXIR Norway
JASPAR has been serving the global scientific community for over 20 years and is maintained through an international collaboration, with hosting provided by ELIXIR Norway. The Oslo node of ELIXIR Norway plays a particularly strong role in the resource’s maintenance, development, and operation.
Before achieving CDR status, JASPAR was recognised in 2021 by ELIXIR Norway as a Norwegian ELIXIR node service, highlighting its international importance. The new ELIXIR CDR designation now formally acknowledges its broader European and international impact.
“This recognition demonstrates the strength of Norway’s contribution to European life science infrastructure,” says Sushma Grellscheid, Head of ELIXIR Norway. “JASPAR is an excellent example of how long-term investment, international collaboration, and open science principles can result in a resource that is both scientifically impactful and sustainable. We are very proud to host JASPAR within ELIXIR Norway.”
With its new status as an ELIXIR Core Data Resource, JASPAR is well-positioned to continue supporting cutting-edge research in gene regulation and regulatory genomic.
Read more: New Core Data Resources and Deposition Databases