How FAIR is metadata for human pluripotent stem cells?

Abstract

The rapid and global expansion of stem cell research over the last two decades necessitates coordinated and effective management of information describing stem cell lines and accompanying data resources. Here, we evaluate the maturity of the field by applying FAIR data principles-findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable-to assess the quality of information describing human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) in dedicated data infrastructure. We identified a lack of coordination across different jurisdictions that prevents effective information sharing, such as the absence of persistent digital identifiers, inconsistent data standards, and restrictive sharing policies. Using Australia, the United States, Japan, and Europe as case studies, we underscore the need for national infrastructure to support comprehensive cell line cataloging. This is the first systematic evaluation of FAIR principles in the field and indicates that improving metadata standardization and cross-platform coordination will enhance data reuse and strengthen the value of local resources.