Life Sciences: Genomics/Bioinformatics
Optin and Genomics/Bioinformatics
Optin Genomics initiatives include the following:
- Organizing events in this field
- Creating a Genomics/bioinformatics portal
- Keeping close contact for Dutch and Israeli Scientists in this field
- Informing Scientists in Israel and The Netherlands about new opportunities
- Continually promoting personal contacts between the scientists
| The vast amount of information generated by biomolecular research necessitates high level management. Bioinformatics is the tool for enhancing the ability of pharmaceutical and life science companies to use this information. It is the interface between biomolecular science, computer science and applied mathematics. It is the key to the future of biotechnology and a new field with an enormous potential. The upcoming age of biotechnology lies in the further development and application of bioinformatics. |
By organizing the first bioinformatics contact days OPTIN has collected all projects in this field. The bioinformatics contact days were the next step to stimulate future co-operation. OPTIN will continue to supply information about Israeli projects in Bioinformatics, Genomics, Proteomics, Metabolomics and other specific subjects in this area.
Bioinformatics Contact Days in The Hague
 | The Bioinformatics Contact Days in The Hague
|  | Compugen, Yissum and Scholars from the Hebrew University and The Weizmann Institute.
|  | His Excellentie the ambassador of Israel, Mr. Eitan Margalit and Mr. Meine Oosten, the Alderman of the city Delft
|  | Day 2 of the Bioinformatics Contact Days
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Sponsored by: Optin, Matimop, CGE&Y, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Udink and the Jong, The Israel Office Delft and Verenigde.
BIOLOGY meets INFORMATICS -Israel meets The Netherlands- BIOINFORMATICS: The Future of Biotechnology.
The Hague 29th and 30th of October: A meeting between Dutch and Israeli companies and research institutions interested in expanding in the field of Bioinformatics. Two days of intense integration through one on one meetings.
In Israel the two leading fields, biotechnology and computer sciences are integrating in the field of bioinformatics. Due to Israel's enormous achievements in the high-tech sector, bioinformatics is potentially its new upcoming force. There are already several Platform Technology Companies, specializing in Genomics, Bioinformatics (Compugen, QBI) and in Computer-aided molecular design developing new drug generations (Synergics, BTG, Green Care). It is one of the countries, which has started a national center for bioinformatics, including computer networking for genome data mining, protein modeling and drug design. The potential of this new field is evident by the fact that in the past two years the number of biotechnology companies in Israel has increased by 35% and sales have climbed 79%. Israel's Research and Development in Bioinformatics is leading edge.
In The Netherlands bioinformatics is an upcoming market with many companies looking to invest in this new exciting field. Many Dutch companies are opening new bioinformatics departments and universities are placing more emphasis on this new sector. Large companies are looking towards Israel for their potential investments. Smaller companies and research institutions are interested in combining Dutch and Israeli knowledge for new R&D projects.
Incentives in Genomics/Bioinformatics
Genomics - research into the structure and function of genes - is also being encouraged by a research program in which companies and public research institutions work together. Part of the BioPartner Program's budget has been allocated for scientific research in this area. The 20th of June 2000 the scientific and business community in the Netherlands presented the Strategic Plan of Action for Genomics to the Government. It was stated that for innovation and reinforcement of the infrastructure for knowledge in The Netherlands in the field of Genomics. Two programs (Genomics and Biomolecular Informatics, totally 35 million US dollars) already started in the fall of 2000.
Genomics/Bioinformatics General
Genomics
Research in the field of genomics and proteomics is currently converging on the functions of genes and expressed proteins.The scope of technologies in the fields of genomics and proteomics is expanding rapidly; also the amount of related data is exploding. The challenge in genomics and proteomics lies in the optimal mix of problem definition, experimental approaches and data handling. Retrieval and analysis of the right data from the right sources at the right time is of essential importance. Tailor-made information can be obtained from a custom-made integration of home-generated and existing data bases and intellect. That means that storage, integration and analysis of data (data mining) is essential. Bioinformatics is essential in exploiting genomics and proteomics data, including systematic approaches to pattern recognition.
The contribution of genomics and proteomics to the identification of new molecular targets for drug action is increasing steadily. It is estimated that the human genome will reveal ultimately at least 1500 and possibly 10.000 novel (protein) targets for potential drugs.
Proteomics is a powerful tool. It monitors directly the level of protein expression in cells and facilitate easily the identification of the protein molecules. It holds particular promise in drug discovery, in discovery of disease markers, in the validation of new disease targets and in toxicology.
Genomics/Bioinformatics Links in Israel
Israeli Genomics/Bioinformatics companies
Genomics/Bioinformatics Links in The Netherlands
Dutch Subsidies information on Genomics/Bioinformatics
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