German-Russian network for integrative analysis of complex metabolic networks

Since 2010, the Federal Ministry of Research and Education has supported the development of a German-Russian network for the integrative analysis of complex metabolic networks between Bielefeld University and the Institute of Cytology and Genetics at the Russian Academy of Sciences in Novosibirsk.

Man studying a report

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General information

  • Project partners:
    • Bielefeld University, Technical Faculty, Bioinformatics/Medical Informatics, Prof. Ralf Hofestädt
    • Siberian branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk, Prof. Nikolai Koltschanow
  • Project period: 01/06/2010 - 31/05/2013

In terms of content, the project enables the user-specific and thorough analysis of electronically available data in the field of molecular biology. High-performance laboratory and molecular information systems are required for this, which are able to embed local data in specific data sources and make further analysis accessible. The project is also aimed at the implementation of relevant algorithms and the use of methods of visualisation and animation. Furthermore, from the point of view of quantitative analysis, suitable methods of modelling and simulation are being considered.

The project builds on a collaboration between the two project partners started a few years ago and is ultimately aimed at establishing a common research platform. The main focus is on the preparation of a “Graduate School”, which will be organised in a second project phase. The project was initially supported during an 18-month funding period. After an extremely positive interim evaluation, the project will be funded in a second phase up to May 2013. In the course of the first project phase, the founding of a “Russian/German Center for Integrative Biology and Computation” was prepared and successfully implemented. On the German side, the collaboration, which was started in 2010, is currently based on the Graduate School introduced in 2010 by the Rectorate of Bielefeld University with the theme of signal pathway analysis and the grants awarded to the project managers by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The Graduate School in Bielefeld is to be extended as part of a special research project of the German Research Foundation (DFG). To carry out the administrative design and supply equipment for the Centre in Novosibirsk, a funding application has been submitted on the Russian side. The Centre is currently still financed by the Novosibirsk State University.