Bioinformatics in Germany: toward a national-level infrastructure

Area of Science:

• Bioinformatics
• Life Sciences Research
• Computational Biology

Background:

• The German Network for Bioinformatics Infrastructure (de.NBI) is a national initiative funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
• Launched in March 2015, de.NBI comprises 40 service projects involving 30 partners across eight service centers.
• It aims to support basic and applied life sciences research in academia, industry, and biomedicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide high-quality bioinformatics services and comprehensive training to researchers in Germany and Europe.
• To foster cooperation between the German bioinformatics community and international networks like ELIXIR.
• To establish and operate the German node for ELIXIR.

Main Methods:

• Development and maintenance of nearly 100 bioinformatics services for human, plant, and microbial research.
• Delivery of diverse workshops and courses tailored to various user expertise levels.
• Engagement in national and international collaborative efforts within the bioinformatics field.

Main Results:

• de.NBI currently operates 40 service projects through 30 partners in eight service centers.
• The network provides a wide array of bioinformatics services and training programs.
• de.NBI is expanding its reach to the European level through its role in ELIXIR.

Conclusions:

• de.NBI successfully provides critical bioinformatics infrastructure and training.
• The network enhances the capabilities of life sciences research in Germany and Europe.
• de.NBI plays a key role in integrating German bioinformatics efforts into the European landscape via ELIXIR.