"We are driven by making a difference," says Åsa Björklund, who leads the team behind the national research infrastructure CSBI, the Computational Systems Biology Infrastructure at Chalmers. Here, researchers receive support with everything from planning their studies to analysing large amounts of data, as well as long-term assistance in larger research projects. The team has broad expertise in bioinformatics and a large network both nationally and internationally.
Bioinformatics, which combines statistics, biology and computer science, makes it possible to interpret and utilise large amounts of biological data. CSBI is part of NBIS, the National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, which is represented at all major universities in Sweden. In total, the network includes around 130 people with different specialisations.
"It is very unique to have such a large infrastructure in this area," says Åsa Björklund. She is a researcher at the Department of Life Sciences at Chalmers, and within NBIS she leads the research area Cell and Molecular Biology. They are also part of SciLifeLab, where they form the platform for bioinformatics.
Various offers
"We receive many different questions from researchers at various stages of their projects. We recommend early contact so we can help structure the work from the start, which often leads to better results. But we also support researchers in the final analysis phase, it simply depends on the needs,” she says.
Through NBIS, each research group has access to three hours of free advice. After that, they can receive continued support for an hourly fee. For more long-term assistance, it is also possible to apply for free support in the form of WABI, the Wallenberg Advanced Bioinformatics Infrastructure, which covers 500 hours over one to two years and is funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. The application round opens three times a year and the projects are selected by an external committee. For larger research projects, it is also possible to hire an expert.
In addition to this, the team also regularly offers courses and organises drop-in sessions where researchers can come and discuss their projects.
Joining the journey
"The network has grown out of a great commitment and drive. It has developed gradually, which has provided both a solid structure and a wide network of contacts. It is very exciting when we get to be involved and see a project take shape, and especially rewarding when we can support the researchers and truly make a difference," she comments.
Technological development means that ever larger amounts of data can be generated, which at the same time places demands on advanced analysis. For clinical data, there are also regulations regarding security and handling of personal information. There is specialist expertise within the team in these areas as well.
When asked what the next step is, she answers:
“It is always about staying ahead of developments and keeping up to date with the latest technologies. But above all, it is about wanting to be where we are needed, together we grow through knowledge.”
Want to know more?
Feel free to contact Åsa if you would like more information, or visit the drop in sessions held every other Wednesday (even weeks) from 13:00 to 14:00 in the lunchroom on the first floor, Kemigården (Physics Building).
- Researcher, Infrastructures, Life Sciences