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Task Force: Bioinformatics, Statistics, and Computing
Download the complete "Task Force Report on Bioinformatics, Statistics, and Computing" (657 kb, 69 pages)
Download the "Addendum to the Task Force Report" (97 kb, 4 pages)
The completion of the draft human genome sequence marked the beginning of a new era of biological research, in which scientists have begun to systematically tackle gene functions and other complex regulatory processes by studying organisms at the global scale of genomes, transcriptomes, and proteomes. With the enormous quantity and variety of data being produced, biology is becoming an increasingly quantitative science. Computational approaches, in combination with empirical methods, have become essential for deriving scientific knowledge and hypotheses.
Bioinformatics is an emerging field where biological/biomedical, mathematical, and computational disciplines converge. The field encompasses the development and application of computational tools and approaches for the collection, analysis, management, and visualization of biological data, as well as mathematical modeling and computational simulation techniques for the study of biological systems. Advances in genomics and proteomics have also highlighted the importance of bioinformatics approach to biotechnology, drug discovery, and disease diagnosis.
A strong program in Bioinformatics will be essential for Georgetown University to compete for federal and other funding in biomedical and basic science research. It will also provide a strategic advantage for Georgetown’s missions in research and education. Establishing such a program, however, requires a critical mass and major commitment of resources. The task force for Bioinformatics, Statistics, and Computing has conducted a thorough survey and identified several areas of strength, but there are also areas of serious deficiency. It is imperative that this task force’s recommendations be pursued expeditiously with the full support from both Medical School and Main Campus of Georgetown University.
The task force report and recommendations are prepared based on the following goals, guiding principles, and approaches.
The Bioinformatics program will provide a strategic advantage for Georgetown University’s missions in research and education by driving and offering a solid foundation for other University programs.
The Bioinformatics program will attract a high level of funding from federal and other grant programs as well as development funds to support this and other University programs.
The program must strengthen existing science departments while building bioinformatics.
The program must be cross-campus and interdisciplinary.
The program must produce nationally recognized research and nationally competitive graduates.
The task force will make specific recommendations with roadmaps.
The recommendations will address both long-term and short-term goals of the program.
The recommendations will address both cutting-edge opportunities and basic infrastructure needs of the program.
The Task Force recommends the development of a Georgetown Institute of Bioinformatics, which will serve as the base for development of undergraduate and graduate level training in Bioinformatics, and the conduct of cutting edge inter-disciplinary research. In addition, the Task Force recommends the expansion of the Computer Science department to allow for the provision of graduate level training, and for the establishment of a Department of Statistics to provide support in theoretical and applied areas of Statistics. The Task Force proposes that the achievement of these objectives take place over a 5-year period consisting of 2 phases. The first phase emphasis will be placed on establishment of the Institute and changes in related Departments, the recruitment of new faculty, development of the educational programs in Bioinformatics, and the extension of existing research efforts in the area of Bioinformatics.
Download the complete "Task Force Report on Bioinformatics, Statistics, and Computing" (657 kb, 69 pages)
Download the "Addendum to the Task Force Report" (97 kb, 4 pages)
The Task Force reports are available only as Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) files. You will need the latest version of the free Acrobat Reader from Adobe (currently version 6.x). Earlier versions (Acrobat Reader 3.x or 4.x) may not display the files properly. Click on the graphic link above if you need to download the free Acrobat Reader.
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