Welcome Letter from the Director

We are witnessing the birth of a new era in biology. The ability to decipher the genetic code of living organisms is dramatically changing our understanding of the natural world and promises to substantially improve the quality of human life. Recent advances in technology have led to the creation of a new interdisciplinary science – Genomics. In simple terms, genomics is the reading and understanding of the blueprints for life. Understanding how genomes work requires sophisticated computer-based information handling tools (Bioinformatics) and new high throughput technologies for understanding the function of genes on a genome-wide scale (functional genomics). The most pressing problem in the post-genome sequencing era will be to understand the integrated functions of thousands of genes. Dealing with this problem will require an interdisciplinary research structure dedicated to developing intellectual and human capital in bioinformatics and genome science. Due to the complexity of this new paradigm in biology, i.e., understanding the organization, evolution and function of whole genomes rather than single genes, entirely new sets of tools and human resources will be necessary. In addition to the scientific advances required to understand the functions of genomes, the accelerated growth of modern biology warrants revolutionary changes in academic curricula. There is an enormous need for trained professionals who are experts in both biology and computation. The Bioinformatics Graduate Program at the University of California at San Diego was created in 2001 to address this need.

The University of California at San Diego is a premier research institution that has fostered interdisciplinary research since its inception. This has led to growth and innovation in many new areas of science and engineering research and the training of an exceptionally high caliber of graduate and postdoctoral students. The Bioinformatics Program spans seven departments across the Schools of Biology, Engineering, Natural Sciences and Medicine. It has already been acclaimed as a strong program and has received a National Institutes of Health Graduate Training Grant. The high demand for admission into the program is a reflection of the future of Bioinformatics and the many strengths of our program. The major thrust of the program is in post-genome biology, with an emphasis on integrative approaches. The program faculty are renowned in their areas of expertise. UCSD offers the best academic computational science environment and houses the nationally funded San Diego Supercomputer Center. La Jolla is also emerging as the premier city for biology and bio and information technology with the rapid growth of industry and myriad research institutions.

The interface between biology, engineering, medicine and information sciences besides offering exciting opportunities, promises to be a strong foundation for the future of life sciences. If you are interested in challenge and innovation in the research frontiers of life sciences, I invite you to participate with us in this exciting adventure.

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