Translational bioinformatics is the science of collecting, representing, storing, retrieving and processing data and knowledge for the improvement of human health. This research area focuses on the interface between bioinformatics and clinical research.

Translational bioinformatics applies the foundational principles of laboratory research (bench side), clinical research (bed side) and medical practice (community). In translational bioinformatics, bioinformatics is used to create new techniques and databases to improve clinical care and advance clinical research. 

Translational Bioinformatics at UAB

Dr. Jake Chen's lab uses translational bioinformatics to develop new techniques and databases and discover new biomedical information to improve clinical care, diagnosis and treatment.

An institution-wide translational bioinformatic initiative is U-BRITE (UAB Biomedical Research Information Technology Enhancement). U-BRITE is informatics research aimed at supporting translational biomedical research across campus. U-BRITE assembles tools, including a "translational research commons," to assist with the analysis and management of clinical and genomic data sets. The "translational research commons" allows for interdisciplinary teamwork across different geographical locations. 

Other translational bioinformatics research conducted by the Institute includes integrative systems biology modeling of glioblastoma, leukemia, breast cancer, and other cancer types and integrative analysis of genes and drugs for neurodegenerative diseases.