This platform will enable the ECB to capture and convert big data into contextualized knowledge, utilizing the combined power of software engineering, computational biology, and data engineering with guiding FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) data principles. The ECB will become a full partner in the Bioinformatics collaboration network led by the CFB and work closely with the team to accelerate the development of an open informatics platform for Biofoundry operations. In partnering with a major initiative anchored on open-source FAIR principles, the ECB will have the maximum chance of success and impact. The BDP will support the entire data value chain: from data to information to knowledge.
The BDP platform, replicating the CFB’s successful activities with a similar structure, employs integrated software modules and a combination of off-the-shelf and custom-developed systems, supporting laboratory data management, computational modelling, data analytics, and knowledge management. DigiBio will realize this through: i) a Software Engineering team that will combine commercial software implementation with custom-made tools and algorithms; and ii) a Data Engineering team responsible for designing and optimising data flows and integrating data analytics with the best methodology (e.g. bioinformatics, machine learning, natural-language processing, metabolic modelling, and data mining). These teams will support the implementation and development of software under a DBTL framework that fulfils the needs of ECB researchers.