The Interest Group Bioinformatics
In recent years, bioinformatics has become a key scientific discipline — not only in life science basic research but also in the fields of application like in pharmaceutical research. The first scientific conference in Germany dealing with the potential of computer science for biology research took place in 1985 in Braunschweig already. Later, this conference became the yearly German Conference on Bioinformatics (GCB).
The interedisciplinary nature of the field and the heterogeneous educational backgrounds (biology, chemistry, medicine, computer science and mathematics) of bioinformaticians resulted in a representation in the following scientific societies:
DECHEMA (Gesellschaft für Chemische Technik und Biotechnologie e.V.)
DECHEMA — Society for Engineering and Biotechnology — is the expert network for chemical engineering and biotechnology in Germany. As a non-profit professional society it represents these fields in science, industry, politics and the general public. DECHEMA promotes scientific and technical exchange among experts from different disciplines, organisations and generations. We consolidate the know-how of over 5,800 individual and sustaining members, identify and evaluate emerging technological trends and facilitate the transfer of research results into industrial applications. For more information please check www.dechema.de.
GBM (Gesellschaft für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie e.V.)
As an organisation representing the interests of molecular bioscientists, the GBM takes a stand on technical and professional issues, supports students and young scientists, awards prizes and awards and participates in trade fairs and trade fair conferences. Separate GBM working groups are dedicated to the exchange of experience on study programmes and biochemical content in medical training.
More information at www.gbm-online.de.
GDCh (Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker e.V.)
The German Chemists Society unites people associated with the chemical and molecular sciences and supports them in their responsible and sustainable activities for the benefit of the general public and our living environment. In line with this orientation, the GDCh promotes chemistry in teaching, research and application.
More information at www.gdch.de.
GI (Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V.)
The Society for Computer Science (GI) is an association of people who have a close connection to computer science and are interested in this field with all its facets and areas of application. It is the professional association for computer science in German-speaking countries. As such, it promotes the interests of computer science in science, the public and politics.
More information at www.gi.de.
GMDS (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Medizinische Informatik, Biometrie und Epidemiologie e.V.)
The German Society for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology (GMDS) e.V. is the only independent scientific medical society that represents the disciplines of medical documentation, medical informatics, medical biometry and epidemiology for the purpose of promoting teaching, research and healthcare. It also offers its documentary, informatics, biometric and epidemiological methods as a “cross-sectional subject” to all medical disciplines.
More information at www.gmds.de.
Vereinigung für Allgemeine und Angewandte Mikrobiologie (VAAM)
The Association for General and Applied Microbiology (VAAM) brings together around 3500 microbiologically orientated scientists. The VAAM promotes the scientific exchange of information and co-operation between its members with the aim of implementing microbiological research results for the benefit of society and the environment.
More information at vaam.de.
The Interest Group Bioinformatics (FaBi) which was founded by the general assembly/membership meeting during the GCB 2014 in Bielefeld, became the first specialist interest group representing bioinformatician’s interests with one legitimated voice in Germany. Today, FaBi has more than 1000 members and is headed by an elected advisory board. Interested members of the above-mentioned scientific societies can become members of the FaBi with no additional costs.