The Bioinformatics Platform

About the Platform

Several core technologies will underpin the Bioinformatics Platform. The infrastructure layer will develop essential computational resources, including high-performance computing capabilities managed in coordination with KAUST’s IT department and the Bioscience Core Lab.

This layer will also establish web servers for bioinformatics services and curate databases to support diverse research workflows. A key focus is building infrastructure that enables FAIR data management, which ensures data are findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable, and includes policies for access, archiving, and storage.

The platform will also leverage AI, as well as computational and statistical methods, to analyze the large, complex biological datasets generated by advanced biotechnologies. The R&D layer will focus on creating novel methods and AI-driven approaches in cutting-edge areas such as microbiome and metagenomics analysis, spatial omics, short-read and long-read sequencing data processing, and structural biology.

The platform will develop and standardize bioinformatics workflows, using automation to streamline routine data analysis and improve efficiency, particularly for the Bioscience Core Lab. The long-term vision includes continued investment in advanced computational resources and the development of new bioinformatics tools and applications.

Platform Infrastructure

The Bioinformatics Platform is structured into three layers: infrastructure, service, and research and development.

The infrastructure layer establishes KAUST’s core bioinformatics infrastructure, including computational resources, web servers with bioinformatics services, and curated databases for key workflows. Coordinating with IT and the Supercomputing Core Lab, it ensures that required resources are available, maintained, and aligned with FAIR principles. A data access, archiving, and storage policy will align with KAUST’s Data Policy. The team will work closely with core labs and is supported by the Office of the Vice President for Research (VPR).

The service layer delivers bioinformatics and data analysis support to KAUST faculty and core labs, especially the Bioscience Core Lab. It aims to automate routine tasks using infrastructure-layer tools to improve efficiency. Staff will form specialty teams aligned with faculty-led research to provide internationally competitive analyses and will implement appropriate methods developed by faculty.

The R&D layer comprises independent researchers in faculty or senior scientist roles who collaborate with KAUST faculty on bioinformatics and AI projects. Focus areas may include microbiome analysis, metagenomics, spatial omics, short-read and long-read sequencing data processing, and structural biology. Staff in this layer are supported by internally or externally funded projects, with a 1.5-year VPR-backed transition period. Team members may join collaborative projects, secure external funding, and pursue opportunities such as teaching or training through programs like the KAUST Academy.