Bioinformatics

The overall goal of the Bioinformatics Core is to establish and continually update a program of comprehensive computational and bioinformatics support services for the MSK research community. This includes creating and maintaining a repository of bioinformatics pipelines, providing customized data analysis support, assisting the growing number of computational researchers in their research efforts, and training staff in computational and bioinformatics techniques. A critical responsibility is to provide high-quality bioinformatics software applications and pipelines for the broad range of experimental assays done here at MSK, ranging from standard genomics pipelines like RNAseq and variant detection to the growing demand for single-cell processing workflows and new spatial-based assays in transcriptomics and proteomics. A large part of this involves constant research and development in this dynamically changing field to ensure researchers have access to the latest methods available that are reliable, reproducible, and cost-effective. The Core works on the research and development of algorithmic best practices, evaluates current application pipelines, and deploys new tools as emerging experimental methods and assays are developed.

The Bioinformatics Core provides computational assistance to a broad range of clients, from laboratories that have no dedicated support and rely on the Core for all bioinformatics tasks to the growing number of lab-based computational staff that require high-level assistance to meet the demands of their research groups. The Core facilitates this work by providing state-of-the-art pipelines, sharing code and data, assisting in the access to institutional resources, and providing training and consultations.