MAKING CONNECTIONS

Smaller collaborations and connections mediated by the SBF include:
• creating working groups in specialist areas such as metabolomics
• finding expert assistance for research organisation’s data management needs
• connecting a Scottish research organisation to the Digital Curation Centre (www.dcc.ac.uk), a UK academic consortium whose role is to assist in the management and preservation of digital data over the long-term
• gaining grid computing access for an individual researcher working on a bioinformatics project
• supplying a research consortium with contact details of a research group working on quantitative genetics and mapping in Scotland.

Role of Scottish Bioinformatics Forum

The SBF understands the research needs of life sciences researchers, computer scientists and bioinformaticians. By listening and engaging fully with the research community, its team comprehends the challenges its members face. This knowledge of allows the SBF to respond intelligently and to come up with practical solutions to enhance its members’ work.

Outcomes

Life sciences researchers in Scotland are speeding the progress of their research by: learning about new resources and accessing new tools; meeting the right people to exchange information; and closing skills or knowledge gaps.