Center for Data Sciences - Sanford Burnham Prebys

Center for Data Sciences

Sanju Sinha (right) with computational biologist Lihe Liu, PhD, a postdoc member of Sinha’s new lab

From Data to Discovery

Unlocking the Power of Biomedical Information

The future of biomedical research depends on our ability to make sense of vast, complex datasets. At Sanford Burnham Prebys, the Center for Data Sciences brings together experts in AI, statistics, genetics and more to uncover patterns, generate insights and spark innovation. Their work turns raw information into knowledge that drives scientific breakthroughs and new possibilities for human health.


Director’s Statement

“No aspect of biomedical research will more dramatically and profoundly change the enterprise than advances in data science, from artificial intelligence and computational biology to the exponential growth of actionable information that provides new insights and ideas across the spectrum of science.”

Kevin Yip profile photo
Yuk-Lap (Kevin) Yip, PhD Interim Center Director


An Omics Glossary

MERFISH spatial-transcriptomics technique Beginning with the process of mapping and sequencing the human genome, new technologies have made it possible to study and measure cells and tissues at molecular levels. The result has been the ability to parse in quantity and quality the underlying biology of life at resolutions previously impossible.

Over the years, as technologies have advanced, omics fields have deepened, expanded and diversified. Genomics, for example, has been joined by functional genomics, structural genomics and metagenomics.

Omics Disciplines

Other molecules, processes and phenomena have established their own omics disciplines. Principal among them:

Omics Fields

Today, there are hundreds of named or proposed omics fields, all associated with measuring specific biological molecules at minute scales. Sometimes specific disciplines are combined to create new omics fields, such as pharmacogenomics or subsets of larger omics disciplines, such as allergenomics, which is the proteomics of allergens. Other uses include describing broad research topics that use omics technologies, such as foodomics, which is a comprehensive, high-throughput approach to food and nutrition science that employs a variety of omics disciplines and sub-disciplines.

Center for Data Sciences News

  • Programming in a Petri Dish - AI series graphic
    Jul 30, 2024

    Using machines to personalize patient care

    Artificial intelligence (AI) and other computational techniques are aiding scientists and physicians in their quest to create treatments for individuals…

    Jul 30, 2024
  • Programming in a Petri Dish - AI series graphic
    Aug 1, 2024

    Objective omics

    Although the hypothesis is a core concept in science, unbiased omics methods may reduce attachments to incorrect hypotheses that can…

    Aug 1, 2024
  • Programming in a Petri Dish - AI series graphic
    Aug 6, 2024

    Coding clinic

    Rapidly evolving computational tools may unlock vast archives of untapped clinical information—and help solve complex challenges confronting healthcare providers

    Aug 6, 2024
  • Programming in a Petri Dish - AI series graphic
    Aug 8, 2024

    Scripting their own futures

    At Sanford Burnham Prebys Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, students embrace computational methods to enhance their research careers

    Aug 8, 2024
  • Programming in a Petri Dish - AI series graphic
    Sep 5, 2024

    Acceleration by automation

    Increases in the scale and pace of research and drug discovery are being made possible by robotic automation.

    Sep 5, 2024
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