SCAN:Bioinformatics Training: The GTPB Programme

SCAN- Seminar

Title: Bioinformatics Training: The GTPB Programme

Speaker: Pedro Fernandes

Affiliation: GTPB Organizer
Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência
http://gtpb.igc.gulbenkian.pt

Abstract:

In the last 15 years, information science has reached an outstanding participation level in biomedical research. Computational methods are emerging in every sector, constantly bringing new ways to address problems and enhancing the capacity to use biological information in a large scale. Bioinformatics, the design and use of computational methods applied to biological information, can play important roles at several levels, all the way from experiment design to the integration of results into ever more encompassing information resources.

The GTPB programme [1] is the result of realizing that the needs of active scientists in this area need to be met in a fast and very effective way. In one hand, university degrees at graduate and post-graduate levels, even when subject to recent updates, have failed to provide an intensive contact with practical usage of the newer methods. Moreover, many working scientists have left school 10 or more years ago. On the other hand, self-tuition is far too slow, time-consuming and practically ineffective.

Training people in the use of data resources and bioinformatics tools is a challenge in various aspects. The systematic accumulation of experience in selecting themes and trainers, formatting the course programs and documenting the materials, has led to a standardized methodology [2].

Presently, the GTPB programme is offering 15 courses per year and covers several subjects that naturally reflect the local interests of the LAO. This talk will bring you a present review of what is offered and what is yet to come in a programme that has provided training to more than 1800 attendees, so far.

References:
1. Pedro Fernandes. The GTPB Programme in Portugal. (Invited paper) Brief Bioinform (2010) 11(6): 626-634 first published online October 21, 2010 doi:10.1093/bib/bbq063

2. Maria Victoria Schneider, James Watson, Teresa Attwood, Kristian Rother, Aidan Budd, Jennifer McDowall, Allegra Via, Pedro Fernandes, Tommy Nyronen, Thomas Blicher, Phil Jones, Marie-Claude Blatter, Javier De Las Rivas, David Phillip Judge, Wouter van der Gool and Cath Brooksbank. Bioinformatics training: a review of challenges, actions and support requirements. Brief Bioinform (2010) 11(6): 552-562 first published online July 2, 2010 doi:10.1093/bib/bbq023