Regional Resources for Education and Training in Bioinformatics

The Oslo region is the largest in Norway concerning research and training in FUGE-related fields. For the FUGE initiative to be successful in the region, a stronger and broader expertise in bioinformatics is needed. The three institutions in the Triple Alliance (UiO, NLH, NVH) have therefore decided that the regional application to FUGE should focus entirely on the development and implementation of a coordinated education and training programme in bioinformatics and applied bioinformatics. The overall programme will consist of 1) a study program at UiO in bioinformatics and biostatistics, 2) a study programme at NLH in bioinformatics, 3) introductory courses in applied bioinformatics held at UiO and NLH and 4) specialized courses in bioinformatics held at NLH, NVH or UiO. Courses will be aimed at students and researchers both from the biosciences and from informatics or statstics. To facilitate participation of students and researchers from external instiutions, most courses will be organized in blocks of intensive teaching (1-2 week duration). The programme will be based on local resources supplemented by international scientific competences. The programme will be dependent on FUGE support to ensure that the relevant expertise, the necessary hardware, software and support personnel will be available.