Web of Biological Data Act of 2026

This bill requires the Secretary of Energy to establish a centralized data resource called the 'Web of Biological Data' to facilitate biological research using advanced computational methods like artificial intelligence. It also establishes a research and development program for data science related to biological data.

Sec. 2, Web of Biological Data: The Secretary must award a grant to a National Laboratory to establish the Web, which will serve as a single entry point for researchers to access biological data, include data quality metrics, and have tiered cybersecurity safeguards. The Director of the selected National Laboratory may enter data sharing agreements, cost-sharing agreements, and partnerships.

Sec. 2(d), Implementation Plan: Within one year, the Director must submit a plan to Congress describing how to implement the Web, acquire federally funded data, digitize biological samples, pursue cost-sharing, ensure cybersecurity, and leverage partnerships.

Sec. 2(e), Phase I: Within two years, the Director must test an initial version of the Web focusing on specific data subtypes, include a user-friendly interface with tiered security, develop frameworks with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and restrict access to adversarial countries. The Director must also acquire data, develop cost-sharing agreements, test with stakeholders, select initial research projects, and report to Congress.

Sec. 2(f), Phase II: Within five years, the Director must expand the Web to be accessible to U.S. researchers, accommodate different biological data types, and adapt to new data. The expanded version must have a fully realized interface connected to federally funded databases, host data not stored elsewhere, include bioinformatic tools, interoperability frameworks, a searchable interface, human-centered design, standard data quality for AI training, and restrictions on data sharing with adversarial countries.

Sec. 2(g), Independent Assessment of Cybersecurity: The Director must contract for a biannual independent assessment of the Web's cybersecurity safeguards.

Sec. 2(h), Advisory Board: The Secretary must establish an advisory board with 11 members from industry, academia, National Laboratories, and federal agencies, chaired by the Director, to oversee implementation.

Sec. 2(i), Collaboration: The Director must collaborate with federal agencies on biosafety and biosecurity, the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Library of Medicine, a qualified nongovernmental group, and other relevant agencies.

Sec. 2(j), Report: The Director must submit annual reports to Congress on progress, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and plans for the Web.

Sec. 2(k), Authorization of Appropriations: $30,000,000 is authorized for the first three years for the research program, $310,000,000 for the first three years for Phase I, and $80,000,000 for each of the subsequent two years after Phase I completion.