A working group created at the initiative of the Foundation Council’s President Simone de Montmollin was tasked to identify the unique contributions of SIB for Switzerland and its life science and health community. In its report, SIB's most impactful, unique and synergetic activities are described around four axes. The report authors’ state: “The institute’s activities participate in a major way to Switzerland’s competitiveness and standing in data-intensive life science research.”
Provision of open biodata resources
SIB has pioneered the provision of open databases and software tools in life sciences. Among the rich ecosystem of resources developed in Switzerland, SIB carefully selects a subset to be part of its portfolio. In so doing, SIB supports the promotion of excellence in resource development and operation. Foundation Council President and National Councilor Simone de Montmollin notes that “SIB’s leading role as domain expert and provider of high-quality open databases is thus an invaluable asset for the advancement of data science.”
Who are the report authors?
- Simone de Montmollin, President of SIB’s Foundation Council, Member of the National Council
- Hugues Abriel, Vice Rector for Research, University of Bern
- Edouard Bugnion, President for Information Systems, EPFL
- Christophe Dessimoz, SIB’s Executive Director
- Antoine Geissbühler, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva
- Elisabeth Stark, Vice President Research, University of Zurich
Connecting Switzerland to international life science data infrastructure
SIB is a co-founder of, and trusted partner in several European and international initiatives, such as: ELIXIR, the European infrastructure for life-science information; the Global Biodata Coalition (GBC), a forum for funders to better coordinate approaches for the efficient management of biodata resources worldwide; and the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH).
Who are the report authors?
- Simone de Montmollin, President of SIB’s Foundation Council, Member of the National Council
- Hugues Abriel, Vice Rector for Research, University of Bern
- Edouard Bugnion, President for Information Systems, EPFL
- Christophe Dessimoz, SIB’s Executive Director
- Antoine Geissbühler, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva
- Elisabeth Stark, Vice President Research, University of Zurich
Training in bioinformatics and biological and health data science
SIB's highly successful training activity is characterized by its emphasis on practical, tailored instruction on the latest methods, tools and languages, by building on its national network. Today a leading provider of bioinformatics training, SIB’s offer complements the BSc/MSc teaching programs of universities by concentrating on hands-on and applicated teaching for post-graduate scientists.
Contribution to innovative national life science research infrastructure
In addition to SIB’s four unique contributions, the report also highlights SIB’s successful track record of establishing nationwide infrastructure for life science data, in partnership with other stakeholders. This includes:
- The BioMedIT network as the secure compute infrastructure for medical data enabling Swiss researchers to work on the data patients have consented to share
- The Swiss Pathogen Surveillance Platform as a national instrument to improve pandemic preparedness
- The SwissBioData ecosystem as a project part of the SERI infrastructure roadmap 2023 to enable the sharing and interoperability of biological research data. in the development of innovative national research data infrastructures
Federation of Swiss bioinformatics research
The common affiliation of a national community behind the SIB brand reinforces Switzerland’s visibility in the world. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing within its national network, and by bringing together the resources and expertise in bioinformatics across the country, SIB contributes to drive progress and innovation in this rapidly evolving field.
Contribution to innovative national life science research infrastructure
In addition to SIB’s four unique contributions, the report also highlights SIB’s successful track record of establishing nationwide infrastructure for life science data, in partnership with other stakeholders. This includes:
- The BioMedIT network as the secure compute infrastructure for medical data enabling Swiss researchers to work on the data patients have consented to share
- The Swiss Pathogen Surveillance Platform as a national instrument to improve pandemic preparedness
- The SwissBioData ecosystem as a project part of the SERI infrastructure roadmap 2023 to enable the sharing and interoperability of biological research data. in the development of innovative national research data infrastructures
