ENPADASI (2014)

BACKGROUND
Nutritional Phenotype Databases containing large amount of phenotypic data linked to genotypic and dietary and environmental patterns are necessary for nutrient-gene interactions studies and phenotypic change assessment. However, different national dietary or phenotype databases need to be merged into large, harmonised mega-databases in a standardised manner to increase their statistical power and provide better cross-border comparisons for identifying dietary and environmental patterns effects on health and disease outcomes. Only by operating at such a scale the understanding for the role of genes, nutrients and phenotypes in the initiation, development and progression of risk factors for diet-related chronic disease can be optimised.

AIM OF THE CALL
The main objective of the ENPADASI Knowledge Hub (KH) was to deliver an open access research infrastructure containing data from a wide variety of nutritional studies, ranging from mechanistic/interventions to epidemiological studies including a multitude of phenotypic outcomes that facilitates integrated analyses.
The networking programme of ENPADASI focussed on three main areas of activities:

• Database development. Basic functions to share and analyse standardised data are already available. The ambition was to make ENPADASI the leading system for big-data storage assessment and sharing in nutritional research. Investments to develop the system encompassing new functions such as shared analysis modules, sharing of images, etc were required.
• Integrating existing databases in the ENPADASI. In order to make full use of the system, datasets from nationally and European funded research projects were linked.
• Training sessions for young researchers. Researchers were trained to learn how to work with the system.

WHO
Funding organisations participating in the JPI HDHL ENPADASI will fund new activities and/or redirect existing funding/capacities (i.e. an in-kind contribution) towards the needs of the Initiative. The nature of funding provided by each funding organisation and country is explained in detail in the National Requirements in ANNEX A. Each participating country will be responsible for deciding which of its national scientists are eligible to join the ENPADASI and the type (new or in-kind) and level of funding it makes available to its selected members.