Overview 

The complete DNA sequences of genomes from humans to microbes brings mankind to perhaps the greatest scientific frontier ever. To build, from the foundation of these genome sequences, a fundamental, comprehensive, and systematic understanding of the processes of life is perhaps the scientific challenge of the 21st century.

The challenge of understanding the molecular processes of life can be met only by revolutionary approaches for creating a new, systems-level, computational, biology. Success in this enterprise requires a multidisciplinary approach: the integration of powerful concepts and technologies from the biological sciences, the physical sciences, the mathematical sciences, and engineering.

Research in bioinformatics holds promise for more rapid approaches to drug discovery, diagnosis and treatment of diseases tailored to an individual's genome, enhanced agricultural productivity, understanding of the impact of organisms on the environment, and fundamental scientific discoveries not only in the life sciences but also in the supporting fields of computer science and mathematics and statistics. Discoveries in bioinformatics have the potential to revolutionize the life-styles of all Americans, fuel the creation of new industries, and attract the attention of the nation's brightest and most entrepreneurial young scientists.

Old Dominion University is committed to building a strong program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. Faculty involved in bioinformatics research in the three departments of Computer Science, Biological Sciences, and Mathematics and Statistics provide a foundation from which to build on. Multidisciplinary courses, research seminars, and research collaborations are ongoing among faculty and students from these three departments.