SIG-2 advances the NGS-CN scientific collaborations & makes the network visible on the political arena. Long term strategies include supporting large sequencing projects outside of the specific DFG NGS calls and acquisition of third-party funds. The NGS-CN is for example a partner of the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) pilot projects. A special focus is on information technologies and artificial intelligence, with the NGS-CN actively involved with the breakthrough Swarm Learning technology. Future strategic activities will also include biobanks (e.g. in the area of the Leibniz Institutes) and partnerships with industry. Contact: contact.ccu@uni-bonn.de