A community proposal to integrate structural bioinformatics activities in ELIXIR (3D-Bioinfo Community)

Area of Science:

• Structural bioinformatics
• Computational biology
• Genomics
• Drug design

Background:

• Structural bioinformatics is crucial for analyzing, archiving, and presenting biomolecular structure data.
• It links structural biology with genomics, enabling protein structure and functional site prediction.
• A significant and active community of structural bioinformaticians exists across Europe.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish formal platforms for the European structural bioinformatics community (3D-Bioinfo).
• To integrate activities, strengthen ties with related research fields (life sciences, chemistry, physics), and bridge research gaps.
• To foster innovation in areas such as human health, drug design, and protein design.

Main Methods:

• Consolidating the ELIXIR 3D-Bioinfo Community.
• Organizing workshops for data standards and benchmark datasets.
• Building consortia and fostering collaborations with other ELIXIR Communities and infrastructures like Instruct-ERIC.

Main Results:

• Highlighting major European contributions to structural bioinformatics.
• Identifying pressing challenges within the field.
• Proposing strategies for Europe-wide interaction and resource coordination.

Conclusions:

• Europe-wide interactions, facilitated by ELIXIR, are essential for addressing challenges in structural bioinformatics.
• Consolidating the ELIXIR 3D-Bioinfo Community will enhance coordination and resource sharing.
• Developing better community links through consortia, workshops, and collaborations is key to maintaining European competitiveness.