INFRAFRONTIER Quality Principles in EMMA Archiving and Distribution
High-quality biological resources are crucial for robust and reproducible biomedical research and responsible animal use. As part of the INFRAFRONTIER research infrastructure, the European Mouse Mutant Archive (EMMA) ensures this by cryopreserving and distributing scientifically validated mutant mouse and rat strains. To support transparency and harmonised practices across its nodes, the INFRAFRONTIER/EMMA partners have defined ten Quality Principles tailored to cryopreserved rodent mutant lines. These principles cover core areas such as adherence to the 3Rs, scientific review, data curation, staff expertise, and intellectual property. Together, they provide a clear framework that strengthens the reliability and ethical integrity of EMMA resources.
These are the EMMA Quality Principles
1. We strictly comply to national and European legislation on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes.
2. We promote and apply the ethical and animal welfare principles—3Rs (replacement, reduction, refinement).
3. We follow good scientific practices.
4. We apply standard operating procedures.
5. We ensure that our procedures are carried out by competent and trained personnel.
6. We put emphasis on keeping timely, direct, professional, and transparent interaction with our users.
7. We ensure that submitted strains are evaluated by external experts in a transparent and open manner.
8. We strive to make our services available for all researchers while respecting intellectual property.
9. We provide models with curated and FAIR data (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable).
10. We maintain and extend the mechanisms (working groups, training, exchange of experience) to constantly share information and improve our quality.
Links
Original publication: Ehlich, H., Blease, A., Biju, R. et al. A quality framework for cryopreserved rodent disease models: INFRAFRONTIER quality principles in EMMA archiving and distribution. Mamm Genome 37, 10 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00335-025-10174-4.
Latest version: EMMA Quality Principles.
