Research informatics:Layout 1 14/1/10 19:56 Page 23
Informatics
example, by integrating chemistry data within the processes and workflows in existing fields of
context of biochemical processes or integrating research and adopt new ones to drive innovation in
genetic data with biological pathway, information discovery. Procuring new products before studying
can facilitate better understanding of disease. their alignment with research processes only adds
a71 Heterogeneous data formats – The primary to license fees and maintenance costs, without
focuses in drug discovery research are diseases, adding value to knowledge capabilities. One way
pathways, proteins (along with their interactions) to optimise costs is to establish a tight linkage
and genes. These are the foundation stones on between processes and applications. By streamlin-
which new molecule research is built. The biggest ing workflows, researchers can select processes
obstacle to the integration of research informa- that will improve competitiveness, prioritise busi-
tion is that data is usually only available in het- ness activities and enable IT solutions.
erogeneous formats and stored in silos, hence a71 Collaborative research – Research scientists
cannot be shared easily. In addition, frequent from different disciplines need to actively under-
duplication of information or ambiguity in terms stand and address various facets of the disease
adds to the difficulty of making timely informed problem together. For example, results can be
decisions. Scientists often first spend time gener- amplified when findings for cell line-based screen-
ating raw data sets and then some more time ing assays against a class of inhibitor compounds,
interpreting pieces of data to create knowledge are jointly interpreted by a biologist and a phar-
assets. This lack of integration across research macologist. Currently, there is only a moderate
entities makes scientific analysis inefficient and level of collaboration between research disciplines.
time consuming. Scientists are not known to freely share and
exchange concepts or findings from their experi-
Ways to overcome research challenges ments or computations. Most often, interchange of
The use of Research Informatics tools such as data ideas and information sharing happens via hand-
semantics, visual analytics, collaboration and written notes, whiteboard or electronic mail and
workflow streamlining in drug research can lacks any formal structure. For research collabora-
increase research effectiveness, improve pre- tion to be successful, it is imperative that
dictability and foster teamwork among scientists. researchers use all the tools available to yield
When applied effectively, Research Informatics can meaningful benefits.
help to address the following issues: a71 Visual analytics for large data sets – Scientists
evaluate a hypothesis by gathering large volumes
a71 Streamline process workflows – Pharmaceutical of multi-dimensional data for inspection. While
companies continuously seek to optimise their raw alphanumeric data can be cumbersome to
Drug Discovery World Winter 2009/10 23
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