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

Translational bioinformatics applies the foundational principles of laboratory research (benchside), clinical research (bedside), and medical practice (community). In translational bioinformatics, bioinformatics creates 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.

U-BRITE (UAB Biomedical Research Information Technology Enhancement) is an institution-wide translational bioinformatics initiative that supports translational biomedical research across campus. U-BRITE assembles tools to assist with the analysis and management of clinical and genomic data sets, including a "translational research commons," which allows for interdisciplinary teamwork across different geographical locations. 

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