Bioinformatics is a multidisciplinary field of study based on computational tools that integrates knowledge from engineering, maths and statistics. The main objective of Bioinformatics is to develop innovative methodologies and algorithms for the extraction, analysis and interpretation of biological data.
Bioinformatics plays a crucial role in advancing areas of biology that require the processing of large volumes of data, such as genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and transcriptomics. Bioinformatics is also applied in other branches of biology, such as structural biology, biological systems, evolution and ecology.
In Portugal, bioinformatics has been growing progressively. Several research centres recognise the potential of these tools in ongoing projects and new initiatives. In response to this demand, several higher education institutions have incorporated Bioinformatics and Computational Biology into their programmes. It is also important to note the existence of consortia, projects and infrastructures such as BioData.pt, which facilitate the communication between research units and boost national projects.
The Portuguese League of Bioinformatics (LPB) complements the national panorama. Inspired by its Brazilian counterpart, the LPB seeks to encourage talent in Bioinformatics through competitions.