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Abstract

Delivering bioinformatics power to life science researchers will inevitably run into the problem of limited computing resources, access time, and costs. Access to grid technology and systems can help to overcome these limitations although this presents its own complexities with problems of security, privacy, storage and integration of disparate data in a potentially confusing environment. QFAB, as the catalyst for interdisciplinary research across biotechnology, health and ICT is developing a suite of tools and skills that will allow its partners to tap into the grid infrastructure of APAC and QCIF. Currently QFAB partners have the opportunity to utilise the power of grid computing via its web services which provide a user friendly environment in which to conduct their work. These web enabled services currently provide integrated access to multiple global genomic, proteomic and chemical databases linked to the ENSEMBL and UCSC genome browser mirrors, modeling software and to de-identified clinical data, providing the researcher with the power to accelerate their discovery and innovation processes.

About the speaker

Jeremy Barker has a 20 year track record of establishing and growing a number of organisations in the life sciences sector. He was instrumental in building the Australian Genome Research Facility delivering genomics services to Australia and the region. Jeremy holds a Masters of Science in population genetics from Auckland University and a Masters of Business Administration from Deakin University. He is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management. He has been actively involved as member and Chair of the Queensland Branch of Ausbiotech Ltd, the peak body for Australian biotechnology and is currently the deputy chair of the Queensland Branch of Chartered Secretaries Australia, the governance professional's institute. He is currently a director of ESP Data Pty Ltd, a professional advisory firm supplying quality advice and research services across the drug development spectrum and joined the Queensland Facility for Advanced Bioinformatics as the CEO in September 2006.