The Finn team develops the software and analysis pipelines that underpin the MGnify metagenomics database, and are responsible for the HMMER webservers. The team also includes the HGNC and VGNC, which are responsible for the assignment of gene symbols and names in human and selected vertebrates.

About our data services

Our services use complex mathematical models tailored for life-science research. For example, the HMMER algorithm offers fast detection of distantly related proteins and is available through our website infrastructure. We aim to simplify access to curated, complex data, and to maximise biological knowledge by extending annotation based on sequence similarity.

Understanding environmental samples

Our MGnify service enables researchers to submit sequence data and associated descriptive metadata about environmental samples to public nucleotide archives. Once deposited, our team helps ensure the data is functionally analysed (using an InterPro-based pipeline), taxonomically analysed and visualised via a web interface. 

This graphic shows the workflow for our metagenomics analysis.

Training

We participate in EMBL-EBI’s Training Programme, offering courses in metagenomics and other approaches to sequence analysis.

Collaboration

We welcome new collaborations in all areas, and are particularly interested in working with people who have developed new tools for analysis, or who are working with metagenomics datasets generated with new sequencing technology.