HomeResearchExtramural Research Genome Informatics Program

Genome Informatics and Computational Biology

	Overview
	NHGRI Supported Model Organism Databases and Human Genome Resources
	Reports and Related Project Information
	Funding Opportunities
	Program Staff

Overview

In 1911, Alfred Sturtevant, an undergraduate research assistant of Thomas Hunt Morgan, realized that he could map the locations of Drosophila genes followed over generations. Indeed, the map was Sturtevant's solution to the problem of managing the data generated by the Morgan laboratory. Data management remains a challenge for genome researchers to this day: one of the major responsibilities of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) is the development of new computational approaches to analyze and understand the enormous amount of data generated by the Human Genome Project (HGP).

The Genome Informatics program supports research in computational biology that will enable the development of tools for sequence analysis, gene mapping, complex trait mapping and genetic variation. These tools include mathematical and statistical methods for the identification of functional elements in complex genomes; the identification of patterns in large datasets (for example, microarray data); and the mapping of complex traits and genetic variations (for example, single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs).

The program also encourages development and maintenance of databases of genomic and genetic data. This emphasis includes new tools for annotating complex genomes so as to expand their utility. The program also supports the production of robust, exportable software that can be widely shared among different databases in order to facilitate database interoperability. These bioinformatics resources will allow the scientific community efficient access to genomic data, which will enable new types of analyses. The analyses, in turn, will allow for the computer modeling and subsequent experimental validation of the complex pathways and networks that ultimately determine the phenotype of a cell or the causes of many human diseases.

Top of page

NHGRI Supported Model Organism Databases and Human Genome Resources

• Model Organism Databases
• Human Genome Resources Supported by NHGRI

Top of page

Reports and Related Program Information

NIH/NIAID/Wellcome Trust Workshop Report on Model Organism Databases April 29-30, 2002

Conclusions of the Annotation Meeting January 7, 2000

Report of the NIH Model Organism Database Workshop [nhlbi.nih.gov] December 7-8, 1998

Report on DOE/NIH Genome Informatics Workshop April 2-3, 1998

The Biomedical Information Science and Technology Initiative Report [nih.gov] June 1999

Top of page

Funding Opportunities

PA-02-141 [grants2.nih.gov]: Continued Development and Maintenance of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Software
The goal of this PA is to support biomedical research laboratories in the continued development, maintenance, testing and evaluation of existing software.

PAR-02-021: The Centers of Excellence in Genomic Science (CEGS)
The CEGS program supports multi-investigator, interdisciplinary teams to develop innovative genomic approaches to address a particular biological problem. A CEGS project will address a critical issue in genomic science, proposing a solution that would be a very substantial advance.

Bioinformatics Initiatives at NIH - BISTI [bisti.nih.gov]
This initiative is aimed at making optimal use of computer science and technology to address problems in biology and medicine. Program announcements are available under the BISTI program for innovations in biomedical information science and technology and for planning a National Program of Excellence in Biomedical Computing.

PA-97-044: Technologies for Genomic Mapping, Sequencing and Analysis
This announcement solicits investigator-initiated proposals to develop new technologies.

PA-97-045: Pilot Projects or Feasibility Studies for Genomic Mapping, Sequencing and Analysis (R21)
This program supports technology development research for high-risk, high-payoff projects for which little or no preliminary data may be available. Support is for a maximum of two years at $100,000 direct costs per year.

PA-98-078 [grants.nih.gov]: Genetic Architecture of Complex Phenotypes
This program supports new studies on the architecture of complex phenotypes, including research using human and model systems as well as research using theoretical approaches.

Small Business Funding Opportunities [grants.nih.gov]

Expired Grant Solicitations

Top of page

Program Staff

Program Directors
Peter Good, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 435-5796
Fax: (301) 480-2770
E-mail: peter_good@nih.gov

Lisa D. Brooks, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 435-5544
Fax: (301) 480-2770
E-mail: lisa_brooks@nih.gov

Program Analyst
Sandra Kamholz
Phone: (301) 496-7531
Fax: (301) 480-2770
E-mail: kamholzs@mail.nih.gov

Program Assistant
Stephanie Reeves-Walker
Phone: (301) 435-5540
Fax: (301) 480-2770
E-mail: sr147u@nih.gov

Address
National Human Genome Research Institute
National Institutes of Health
5635 Fishers Lane
Suite 4076, MSC 9305
Bethesda, MD 20892-9305

Phone: (301) 496-7531
Fax: (301) 480-2770

Top of page

Last Updated: July 2004