FUTURE²: A FAIR-based, User-First, Transparent, Unified, Reproducible, Evolvable and Ethical Framework for Genomic Open Science

This position paper proposes FUTURE², a design philosophy for next-generation genomic data platforms that extends beyond FAIR principles to address emerging challenges in open science. Despite significant advances in data sharing guided by FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles, critical gaps persist in current genomic infrastructures: analytical pipelines remain disconnected from datasets, invisible maintenance labor goes unrecognized, and existing platforms lack readiness for AI-mediated research workflows. We make three primary contributions. First, we articulate seven integrated principles—FAIR-based, User-first, Transparent, Unified, Reproducible, Evolvable, and Ethical—that together form the FUTURE² framework. Second, we demonstrate how FUTURE² integrates FAIR with CARE (for indigenous data governance) and TRUST (for repository trustworthiness) principles, addressing the ethical turn in open science catalyzed by the 2024 CBD COP16 decisions on Digital Sequence Information. Third, we present illustrative scenarios showing how these principles translate into platform design requirements. The superscript "²" signifies dual evolution: advancing both technological capability and ethical responsibility.