Developing a hub for genomics data analysis and clinical data interpretation

To derive insights from the huge amount of information a sequenced genome produces, we require advanced data science techniques that will help us meet the challenges for: development of higher diagnostic yield, drug discovery, and precise treatment plans for people living with epilepsy.

Bioinformatics is a hybrid field that brings together the knowledge of biology and the knowledge of information science. It provides tools to rapidly process tens of thousands of numbers. The computers run algorithms - mathematical calculations - on a large scale in order to find patterns in large data sets.  In this way, sequenced data from DNA can start to be interpreted for individual people with epilepsy. The application of bioinformatics in healthcare has huge potential for clinical decision support, reduction of costs and improvements in the quality of care, and reduction in waste and error.

Development of an in-house capability for big data methods, clinical bioinformatics tools, and approaches that combine clinical informatics, bioinformatics, and medical informatics will help us to transform the scale and efficiency of genomic applications, to better understand the genetic architecture of different types of epilepsies and accelerate precision treatment advances for epilepsy.