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Science inequity continues to be a key issue worldwide. Here, Tom Sinden speaks with leading bioinformaticians to explore the future of bioinformatics research and how the Bioinformatics Gateway can help open science.

Bettering the research community through open science

F1000Research recently launched the Bioinformatics Gateway in affiliation with an expert Advisory Board and the International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB). Foremost, the Gateway provides authors a hub to publish the full extent of their research, regardless of the tool, software, or approach they take. Additionally, the Gateway is open to all bioinformaticians, offering readers and authors a destination to learn about the advancements in storing, analyzing, and interpreting biological data from wide-ranging research.

Moreover, Bioinformatics is no stranger to the F1000Research Platform. The collaboration between F1000 and ISCB has been a fruitful partnership founded on shared philosophies—to develop output that is reproducible and accessible for the betterment of the research community. Historically, the discipline has been well-represented across a handful of successful Gateways and Collections. Bioconductor, Cytoscape, and Galaxy are three notable examples.

Without further ado, let’s see what the bioinformaticians think of the new Gateway…

TS: Can you tell us more about your professional background?

Christine Orengo (CO) – I am a professor of Bioinformatics at University College London. I am also the first woman to serve as President of the International Society for Computational Biology.

Carole Goble (CG) – I am a professor of computer science, and act as Head of Node of ELIXIR-UK and co-founder of the UK’s Software Sustainability Institute. I am also an advocate of FAIR and Open Data and Software, having co-authored the original FAIR data principles paper, and serving as a UK representative on the G7 Open Science Working Group.

TS: What are the significant obstacles facing the field?

CO – I will take this opportunity to answer this question as a leader of the International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB). One of ISCB’s significant challenges is providing science equity worldwide. Increasing researcher engagement will be critical to tackling this issue.

CG – FAIR software, FAIR data, data governance, reproducibility is crucial in a world of data-driven bioscience. So, to scale up data-driven research, we must move from me-science to we-science. That’s no small feat. We need to evolve toward shared knowledge and recognition.

TS: What does the future look like for bioinformaticians?

CO – The future of bioinformatics is very promising. Many important biological and biomedical research areas are open to integrating computational sciences. This includes novel bench research and intricate clinical precision medicine. It’s truly an exciting time for the field. 

TS: How will the Gateway help improve science equity globally? 

CO – Access to science is vital. We hope our relationship with F1000 continues to further the aims of our society, support our researchers, and widen access to science. It’s been wonderful to have a partner like F1000 publish the ISCB conference posters and slides. It’s allowed us to disseminate novel insights and discoveries to a wider audience. This has been greatly beneficial to researchers participating in our conferences.

TS: What would your advice be for early career researchers?

CO – Get involved! Whether it be volunteering for a professional society, school, community, or reviewing journals. Getting involved will expand your network and find collaborators. This could someday lead to your involvement in ground-breaking research discoveries!

CG – The future is data-driven. Don’t consider data and software as afterthoughts – they are essential tools. Most wet-lab researchers will spend more time at the desk analyzing data than in the wet lab. Prepare!

Make a difference with your bioinformatics research today

Interested in supporting open science? Explore the Bioinformatics Gateway as an outlet for all your research outputs.

As Professor Orengo states, “F1000 provides a research publishing model like no other.

It offers authors and readers quicker access, and it can be nimble and agile. As the field continues to grow, this Gateway can capture and feature new niche areas involving Bioinformatics research.’’

Submit your research to the Bioinformatics Gateway or learn more about how our open publishing model works today.