Network Data Steering Group (NDSG)

The joint HMA-EMA Network Data Steering Group focuses on data that the European medicines regulatory network receives, analyses or offers advice for. 

It supports the delivery of the European medicines agencies network strategy. In particular, the strategic goal to leverage data and artificial intelligence (AI) in regulating human and veterinary medicines in the EU.

For more information, see: 

• Data in regulation: Big data and other sources

The joint HMA-EMA Network Data Steering Group aims to:

• maximise data use, exchange and interpretation;
• improve access to data and evidence generation;
• leverage use of artificial intelligence for better decision-making.

It also advises HMA and EMA Management Board on the implementation of the European medicines agencies network strategy to 2028. 

The steering group's mandate is available below. It includes detailed information on the steering group's role and membership.

For more information, see:

• European medicines agencies network strategy

The Network Data Steering Group workplan for 2025-2028 is available, serving to optimise use of data and artificial intelligence.

The workplan sets out how the European medicines regulatory network plans to leverage large volumes of regulatory and health data as well as new tools. This will encourage research and innovation. It will also support regulatory decision-making for safe, effective and high-quality medicines that reach patients faster.

Concrete planned deliverables include:

• Strengthening the network’s data analytics capabilities - this aims to generate high-quality evidence using both established and novel methods
• Expanding the coordination centre on Data Analysis and Real World Interrogation Network (DARWIN EU) - this will help deliver evidence that helps fill knowledge gaps and understand the use, safety and benefits of medicines
• Advancing the implementation of EMA's Product Management Service (PMS), recognised as the network’s source of product master data for all EU medicines - this will support EU-wide use cases

EMA and Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA) published this workplan in May 2025. 

Select the expandable panel below to access the Network Data Steering Group meeting minutes: 

The joint HMA-EMA Network Data Steering Group supersedes the joint HMA-EMA Big Data Steering Group that operated between December 2019 and January 2025.

The previous steering group had replaced the HMA-EMA Big Data Task Force that functioned between 2017 and 2019.

Select the expandable panel below for related information, including on work plans, annual reports and meeting minutes: