ISBE

Infrastructure for Systems Biology - Europe

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The Infrastructure for Systems Biology in Europe (ISBE) programme comprises an infrastructure that is designed to meet the needs of European systems biology, in terms of development, applications and training. In order to address this requirement, we are proposing a distributed, interconnected infrastructure which primarily comprises three types of centres: Data Integration Centres (DICs), and systems biology dedicated Data Generation Centres (DGCs), and Data Stewardship Centres (DSCs). DICs are research centres that apply and develop expertise in model-driven data integration and make this expertise available to the community. DGCs are technology-based centres that make available a wide range of high, medium and low throughput technologies that are essential for the acquisition of quantitative datasets under standardised conditions. DSCs are centres that are responsible for data processing, curation and analysis – they store data, models and simulations. Each type of centre will be functionally different, but organisationally similar. Within participating universities and other organisations across Europe there will be foci of expertise and facilities which fit the requirements for a DIC, DGC or DSC. Such foci will be evaluated and then designated as local centres of a particular type. Each focus will then form a component of a particular type of DIC, DGC or DSC centre. ISBE centres may be single institutions or can be distributed. Large institutions, such as leading universities, may well contribute facilities and expertise across different types of centres. A particular distributed centre may focus on an area of Systems Biology; for example, a model organism, a disease, or, alternatively an area such as biotechnology, ecology or green biology. Importantly, the ISBE will include technological expertise; for example, stochastic computation, algorithmic modelling, multi-scale modelling integration of diverse high-and low-throughput datasets.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Systems biology studies require computational modelling of biological systems. This EU-funded initiative will result in a master plan for such infrastructure in Europe.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

To realise a detailed proposal for systems biology infrastructure in Europe, a roadmap and understanding of the structure and functioning of such a resource is required. For instance, access to standardised data and resources for analysis is needed. In addition, we have to consider the underlying scientific vision and the anticipated models for governance, sustainable funding and training.

The http://www.isbe.eu (ISBE) (Infrastructure for systems biology - Europe) consortium consisting of 23 partners from 11 Member States focused on broad consultation with relevant stakeholders. The preparatory phase identified technical requirements through the http://www.isbe.eu (project website), surveys, conference and workshops. Expert consultations should provide tech specs of physical infrastructure throughout and the business plan has been developed through input from stakeholders, governments and ministries.

Several reports have been drawn up using data from a detailed survey of existing activities in systems biology. Preliminary description of the structure and function of ISBE has provided the platform for further stakeholder consultations at national and international level.

The outcomes will be fed into a business plan aided by input from national funding agencies. Development of collaborations with other research infrastructures in the biological and medical sciences stands to ensure optimal coordination, harmonisation, integration and interoperability of data and applications.

ISBE has also focused on a review of training in systems biology in Europe. Aimed at education of graduate and post-graduates this will be used to develop a pan- European network of ISBE training activities in systems biology. Work will also ensure standardisation and quality control across the continent.

A completely integrated systems biology infrastructure for Europe will have an impact on personalised medicine, provision of alternative nutrition concepts and sustainable food production. ISBE deliverables are poised to boost the bio-based economy through production of new and improved biofuels and bio-based materials. Moreover, waste and water management, protection and conservation of the environment will benefit.

Overall, catalysis of innovation and coordination of the research effort in Europe will give a competitive edge to all stakeholders.