Architecture

EOSC-ENTRUST is creating a common European reference architecture to enable secure connectivity and interoperability between Trusted Research Environments (TREs) across Europe. This initiative ensures that researchers can access and analyse sensitive data in a secure, compliant and federated manner.

The EOSC-ENTRUST Blueprint

The EOSC-ENTRUST Blueprint defines the foundational architecture, interoperability framework and security model that TREs should follow. By establishing a harmonised approach to data governance, access and analysis, the Blueprint ensures that TREs across different institutions and countries can effectively work together.

The Blueprint has four key pillars:

Interoperability framework – Common standards for seamless integration between TREs
Security and compliance – Guidelines ensuring GDPR compliance and data protection
Technical architecture – Core infrastructure for federated data access and secure computing
User access and authorisation – Standardised methods for researcher authentication and controlled data access

These principles guide the strategic development of the EOSC-ENTRUST initiative and serve as the foundation for European-wide trusted data-sharing solutions.

Blueprint Roadmap for EOSC-ENTRUST Blueprint – V1, June 2024

The EOSC-ENTRUST Roadmap outlines the development of the Blueprint. The first version (V1) establishes a structured approach for achieving a federated data access and analysis framework, supporting secure cross-border research.

Development phases:

Phase 1 (2024): Identification of Blueprint requirements and mapping existing TRE capabilities
Phase 2 (2025): Development and validation of key components, including security protocols and interoperability solutions
Phase 3 (2026): Finalisation and adoption of the Blueprint across European TRE networks

The Blueprint Roadmap ensures all TREs follow a common architecture, making European research infrastructure more efficient, secure and interconnected.

EOSC-ENTRUST Requirements and Capabilities Workshop Report – May 2024

The first EOSC-ENTRUST Roadmap Workshop was held in May 2024, bringing together stakeholders, TRE providers and technical experts to:

Define minimal requirements and conceptual models for the Blueprint
Establish a common terminology for interoperability
Identify current challenges and gaps in TRE infrastructure

The insights from this workshop help shape the Blueprint's ongoing development, and future workshops will refine and expand its scope. Download the Requirements and Capabilities Workshop Report.

Driving innovation through TREs

EOSC-ENTRUST is validating its Blueprint through real-world use cases across various domains. In genomics research, it supports the secure federated analysis of human genomic data, ensuring privacy while enabling scientific discovery. For clinical trials, it facilitates the cross-border reuse of clinical research data, promoting collaboration and efficiency in medical studies. In the social sciences, it enables the safe sharing of administrative and social data, fostering responsible data use. It also strengthens public-private collaboration by enhancing industry partnerships within secure data environments.

These pilot projects collectively ensure that the EOSC-ENTRUST framework effectively meets the needs of researchers, data providers and policymakers.

What’s next?

EOSC-ENTRUST is evolving through collaborative input and ongoing technical development. Please get in touch if you don’t want to miss out on our latest progress and upcoming events. Contact us.