This knowledge exchange workshop is an opportunity for managers of bioinformatics core facilities to learn from EMBL-EBI’s service teams, and from each other. These facilities play an essential role in enabling research in the molecular life sciences. The landscape is constantly evolving as new research tools emerge, as experiments become increasingly data intensive, and as their clients – experimental researchers – become more exposed to the power of data-driven biology.

This course will allow participants to share experiences, discuss challenges and solutions that they face, and plan ways to cope with the ever changing demands raised by the molecular life science field. It will include sessions to learn from data providers at EMBL-EBI, hear how others have tackled common problems, and work together to design core services.

Who is this course for?

This workshop is aimed at new and experienced managers of bioinformatics core facilities, or other facilities that support their users to analyse and interpret large biomolecular data sets.  This course will not provide a platform for teaching hands-on bioinformatics analysis.

What will I learn?

Learning outcomes

After this course you should be able to:

• Identify the strengths and limitations of your core facility
• Apply a framework for designing new services (including training your users) or redesigning existing services
• Appreciate different cost models, their pros and cons, and how to apply them in the context of your core facility
• Advise your users on how to manage sensitive data and where to submit them

Course content

During this course you will learn about: 

• The role of core bioinformatics facilities
• How to design and resource your service
• Introduction to project management

Trainers

Please read our page on application advice before starting your application. In order to be considered for a place on this course, you must do the following:

• Complete the online application form.
• Ensure you add relevant information to the application form where you are asked to provide details on:
  • scientific biography
  • work history
  • current research interests
• Upload a letter of support from your supervisor or a senior colleague detailing reasons why you should be selected for the course.

Please submit all documents during the application process by midnight on 28 September. Items marked * are in the application are mandatory. Incomplete registrations will not be processed. 

All applicants will be informed of the status of their application (successful, waiting list, rejected) by 14 October. If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Sophie Spencer.

Participant Flash Talks

All participants will be asked to give a short presentation about the services they provide as core facility managers and/or their research work as part of the course. These talks provide an opportunity to share their research with the other participants and provide a forum for discussion. Further details will be provided following registration.