Bioinformatics in the Netherlands: the value of a nationwide community. (15th September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van Gelder, Celia W G; Hooft, Rob W W; van Rijswijk, Merlijn N; van den Berg, Linda; Kok, Ruben G; Reinders, Marcel; Mons, Barend; Heringa, Jaap
• Is Part Of: Briefings in bioinformatics. Volume 20:Number 2(2019)
• Page Start: 375
• Page End: 383
• Publication Date: 2017-09-15
• Subjects: bioinformatics community -- bioinformatics training -- interoperability -- fair data principles -- national research infrastructure -- bioinformatics research; Genetics -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Genomes -- Data processing -- Periodicals; 572.80285
• DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbx087
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1467-5463

Abstract

Abstract: This review provides a historical overview of the inception and development of bioinformatics research in the Netherlands. Rooted in theoretical biology by foundational figures such as Paulien Hogeweg (at Utrecht University since the 1970s), the developments leading to organizational structures supporting a relatively large Dutch bioinformatics community will be reviewed. We will show that the most valuable resource that we have built over these years is the close-knit national expert community that is well engaged in basic and translational life science research programmes. The Dutch bioinformatics community is accustomed to facing the ever-changing landscape of data challenges and working towards solutions together. In addition, this community is the stable factor on the road towards sustainability, especially in times where existing funding models are challenged and change rapidly.