Bioinformatics unit

The bioinformatics infrastructure of the Central Research Laboratories enables computer-assisted analyses of large datasets, such as the entire genome of an organism, to study, for example, the evolutionary history and relationships of animals or plants. We particularly focus on investigating genetic material obtained and sequenced from historical specimens of the museum.

Brief Description

The Bioinformatics Unit of the Natural History Museum Vienna includes both the technical infrastructure for bioinformatics and biodiversity informatics work (computer servers), as well as conceptual and biostatistical consulting, along with training—such as workshops, online tutorials, and research collaborations. In addition to independent research, our core tasks also involve data administration and management, as well as support with various bioinformatics analysis methods for DNA sequences from recent and historical material. These methods include the reconstruction of entire genomes (de-novo assemblies), population genomics (the study of the evolution of species populations using genomic data), phylogenomics (reconstructing the relationships of different taxa using genomic data), and biodiversity informatics (documenting different taxa in ecosystems using genetic and genomic data). A particular focus is on “Museomics,” which involves bioinformatics analysis of fragmented and often contaminated genomic DNA from historical (museum) samples. The Bioinformatics Unit is available to all departments of the NHM Vienna for scientific investigations, some of which are carried out in cooperation with national and international research partners.

Methods & Expertise for Research Infrastructure

We focus on methods development in the areas of biodiversity informatics, population genetics and genomics, and "Museomics," using programming languages such as Python, R, and BASH scripting. Additionally, we develop analysis pipelines based on existing software. We offer comprehensive training in data management and create topic-specific tutorials and workshops for students and staff. We also provide consulting on bioinformatics projects during the planning phase and promote the use of GitHub for open-source development and collaborative bioinformatics work. Another important task is the maintenance of our computer server and the coordination of collaborative work using the job-scheduling software OpenPBS.