Organizational Structure

Computational Biology Branch (CBB)

Conducts basic and applied research in computational, mathematical, and theoretical problems in molecular biology and genetics, including genome analysis, sequence comparisons, sequence search methodologies, macromolecular structure, dynamics and interaction, and structure/function prediction
Establishes collaborative research projects in computational molecular biology with biologists, chemists, mathematicians, and computer scientists in NIH intramural laboratories, other government agencies, academia, and industry
Consults and advises governmental agencies and research laboratories in the application of computer-based analytical tools for studying molecular biology
Interacts with molecular biology groups to enhance wet-bench, laboratory-based research through the application of computational and theoretical approaches

Performs applied research in data representation and analysis, including the development of computer-based systems for the storage, management, and retrieval of knowledge relating to molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry
Designs database schema and specifications for representation of various forms of molecular biology information, including nucleic acid, protein, and structural information. These databases serve as national resources.
Designs and develops distributed software systems from the prototype to operational phase, which provides researchers with both local and remote computational services
Coordinates public access to sequence, genetics, structural, and bibliographic information by building curated and integrated databases and, when possible, establishes linkages to external databases
Establishes collaborative informatics research projects with NIH intramural laboratories as well as extramural academic groups
Consults with and advises other governmental agencies and research laboratories on advanced methods of software and database design
Develops and promotes standards for databases, data exchange, and biological nomenclature

Plans, directs, and manages the technical operations of NCBI, including the computer systems used for research and development as well as the computer systems used to access public databases
Provides technical assistance to NCBI staff and provides support for external users of NCBI network services
Supervises network operations for the NCBI and coordinates with other government agencies for both national and international access to NCBI services
Organizes educational demonstrations and workshops for the biomedical community to foster the use of NCBI's information services
Plans, develops, and manages government contracts and cooperative agreements to procure equipment and services in support of NCBI information functions
Serves as liaison for user support services to agencies involved in genome projects
Performs applied research and development, provides technical consultation and direction, and identifies user needs. Conducts surveys to evaluate the use of NCBI-developed software in the biology user community.
Coordinates with other governmental agencies and biology information resources to facilitate the development of data repositories at the NCBI

A Board of Scientific Counselors meets twice a year to review the programs and the research activities of the Center.