Coming Soon

ISCB FELLOWS

Only members can nominate, login is required.

If you are not a current member, please renew your membership today! Click here

Nomination deadline has past. Please check back in September 2022 to nominate for the 2023 cycle.

Scroll down to see the full list of current ISCB Fellows.

The International Society for Computational Biology introduced the ISCB Fellows Program in 2009 to honor members that have distinguished themselves through outstanding contributions to the fields of computational biology and bioinformatics. During the inaugural year of the program, ISCB conferred the Fellow status on the seven winners-to-date of the ISCB Accomplishment by a Senior Scientist Award, and recognized these distinguished scientists during the ISMB/ECCB 2009 conference in Stockholm, Sweden. Since then, ISCB has sought nominations from our community of members, which are reviewed and voted upon by a selection committee. New Fellows are introduced at each year's ISMB conference.

Nomination procedure:

• Each Fellow is nominated by an ISCB member using the online nomination form. The nominator is requested to provide the following information:
  • Relationship with the nominee
  • Indication of nomination category (see below)
  • Brief nomination statement, e.g. “for development of computational methods for analyzing high-throughput sequencing data”
  • Extended nomination statement (500 words maximum) highlighting the nominee’s major contributions to the field
  • A list of the top five published articles, annotated to indicate the nominee’s contribution, as well as H-index as determined by Google scholar
  • CV of the nominee (as either an uploaded document, link to a cv on the nominee’s website, or an informative list-like CV created by the nominator).
• Nominees will be assessed on the magnitude and quality of contributions to the field of computational biology. We encourage a careful preparation of the nomination material. The nominator should not assume that the voters are familiar with the candidate. For this reason, the nomination should concentrate on the information that is essential and characteristic for the candidate.
• We consider three categories of Fellow nominations, however, this distinction is only relevant during the election process. Once elected, Fellows categories will not be distinguished. :
  1. Academic nominees: Nominees, with at least ten (10) years’ experience in the field who have done the bulk of their work in academia, including government and research institutions. Such nominations must demonstrate excellence in computational biology research, which includes the development of methods, the application of methods for discovery biology, or the development of resources that advance research. The nomination can be strengthened by pointing to service to the computational biology community, education and/or administration.
  2. Industry nominees: Nominees, with at least ten (10) years’ experience in the field who have done the bulk of their work in industry. Such nominations must demonstrate the impact of their work on the field. The nomination can be strengthened by pointing to research, education, or service to the computational biology community, e.g. by providing research infrastructure or resources.
  3. Leadership nominees: Nominees, with at least ten (10) years’ experience in the field who have contributed through their leadership and contribution activities to enhance the field of computational biology. This includes but is not limited to direct leadership to ISCB, promotion of computational biology in other professional societies, supporting the development of scientific conferences or training, promotion of the field within funding agencies, mentorship, and working towards equity and inclusion in science.
• Fellow status is automatically bestowed upon the annual Accomplishment by a Sr. Scientist Award winner, as well as the annual ISCB Outstanding Contributions to ISCB Award winner
• Selection of new Fellows each year is limited to 1/2 of one percent of the previous year's membership. Those receiving the highest number of affirmative votes up to the threshold will be elected.
• Selection of new Fellows each year is limited to 1/2 of one percent of the previous year's membership, including the Sr. Scientist Award winner.

The ISCB Fellows oversee the Fellows Program, including the election process. Upon selection, new Fellows may use the title immediately and will be recognized at the ISMB meeting following their selection.

The ISCB Fellows oversee the Fellows Program, including the election process (click here to view the election procedures). Upon selection, new Fellows may use the title immediately and will be recognized at the ISMB meeting following their selection

The goal of the ISCB Affiliates Incentive Program is to incentivize regional groups who support the recruitment and retention of ISCB members and the furthering of ISCB’s mission.   ISCB has set aside funding to support the affiliated groups and their activities that benefit the region for which they serve.

Funding is distributed annually based on ISCB membership within the region for activities, conferences, travel fellowships, events and other activities that support the mission of ISCB.  Eligible groups may receive funding upon completion of the required reporting and information about the activity for which the funding will support. ISCB reserves the right to refuse funding to any group for noncompliance to the reporting requirement.  ISCB reserves the right to deny funding if it deems the activity does not meet the obligations for which the funding may be used.

To learn more about becoming an affiliated group and the other benefits of affiliating with ISCB, please review the Affiliated Group Guidelines.

Affiliates Committee Overview:

• membership: one representative for each affiliate (and a designated alternate representative), appointed Chair(s), elected Representative to the Board of Directors
• responsibilities:
  • examines ways to foster collaboration and networking at regional levels
  • establishes procedures for the program
  • brings forward concerns and makes suggestions for new initiatives
  • Representative to the Board of Directors is a chair of the committee,  voting member of the Board of Directors, and liaison of the committee to the Board of Directors
  • Chair(s) oversee(s) all activities and processes of the Affiliates Committee, Affiliates Council and Affiliates Review Board

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Affiliates Review Board Overview:

• membership: the ISCB Treasurer, the Affiliates Committee’s Representative to the Board of Directors, at least two at large¹ members of the ISCB Board of Directors, and the Chair(s) of the Affiliates Committee
• responsibilities:
  • reviews applications and annual reports
  • approves/denies applications
  • makes decisions about Tier and funding levels

Affiliated Groups Review Board:

Cath Brooksbank (At-large member of the ISCB Board of Directors)
Bruno Gaeta (Co-chair of the Affiliates Committee)
Janet Kelso (ISCB Treasurer)
Christian Schӧnbach (Representative to the Board of Directors, Co-chair of the Affiliates Committee)
Nicola Mulder (At-large member of the ISCB Board of Directors)
Lonnie Welch (Co-chair of the Affiliates Committee)

¹At-large is a designation for members of a governing body who are appointed to represent the whole membership.  This person will be a non-affiliate organizer appointed by the Board who serves as a Director of the Society.

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Affiliates Council Overview: 

• membership: the Affiliated Review Board and one representative for each Tier 3 affiliate
• responsibilities:
  • provides input to the Review Board re. applications, and tier/funding levels
  • provides recommendations for new programs or incentives

Affiliated Groups Council:

Alan Christoffels, ASBCB
Javier De Las Rivas, SOIBIO
Diasuke Kihara, GLBC
Christian Schӧnbach, APBioNet

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Coming Soon.

The gambling industry is in the process of an incredible transformation driven by groundbreaking technologies and the evolution of online platforms, including new online casinos. The convenience and accessibility provided by online gambling have attracted a growing number of enthusiasts each year. Players can now enjoy a wide range of games from the comfort of their homes, whether through their computers or mobile devices.

Online Casinos: The Game-Changer

Online gambling has surged in popularity due to its vast array of benefits. For instance, new online casino platforms offer users the ability to play diverse games such as poker, roulette, and blackjack without ever leaving their homes. This is a game-changer for many, especially those who lack easy access to physical casinos or prefer a more private gaming experience. The proliferation of smartphones and tablet devices has also significantly contributed to this growth, enabling users to carry a casino in their pocket wherever they go.

Technological Advancements Fueling Online Gambling

The surge in online gambling is not just about convenience. Technological advancements are playing a crucial role in enhancing the user experience. Today's online gaming platforms feature improved graphics, faster load times, and a more thrilling and lifelike experience for the player.

1. Advanced Platforms: Modern online gaming platforms are rich in features that offer stunning visuals and enhanced gameplay.

2. Live Dealer Games: The rise of live dealer games offers a realistic alternative to traditional casinos. These games utilize high-quality streaming technologies that allow real-time interactions between dealers and players.

3. Virtual Reality (VR): Some online casinos are also exploring VR games, providing a more immersive and engaging experience compared to conventional online gaming.

Mobile Devices and Social Media: The New Frontier

Mobile devices and social media platforms are reshaping the way users engage with online casinos. Games optimized for mobile, complete with touch-screen controls, are common in virtual casinos. These games cater specifically to the preferences of handheld device users, enhancing user engagement and enjoyment.

Social media plays a vital role in promoting these platforms and engaging with players. Social media games that offer casino rewards for player participation are gaining traction, creating a vibrant community of online gamers.

Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR)

The gambling industry is embracing technologies like VR and AR to offer a more immersive experience to players.

1. Virtual Reality (VR): VR technology immerses users in a computer-generated environment, facilitating virtual casinos and interactive gaming experiences that closely mimic real-life gameplay.

2. Augmented Reality (AR): AR adds digital elements to the real world, allowing players to interact with slot machines projected into their surroundings.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

AI and ML are poised to reshape the gambling landscape significantly. Here’s how:

1. Personalized Recommendations: Leveraging AI, online casinos can analyze vast amounts of player data to offer personalized game recommendations and targeted promotions.

2. Fraud Detection: Machine learning algorithms help identify and prevent fraud, ensuring a secure environment for both the players and the casinos.

3. Predictive Analytics: Predictive analytics powered by AI can forecast player behavior, enabling casinos to cater effectively to customer needs.

4. Chatbots: AI-powered chatbots enhance customer support, providing instant responses to player inquiries.

5. Optimized Gameplay: AI algorithms can optimize table game performance based on individual player behavior.

Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies

Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies are becoming integral parts of the gambling industry. Blockchain offers a secure, transparent, and tamper-proof ledger for transactions.

1. Secure Payments: Cryptocurrencies provide a secure, fast, and cost-effective means for online gambling transactions.

2. Smart Contracts: Blockchain facilitates smart contracts, ensuring automatic execution of payouts and bonuses.

3. Anti-Money Laundering: The immutability of the blockchain ledger helps in detecting and preventing money laundering activities.

Despite its advantages, cryptocurrency in gambling raises regulatory concerns and requires stringent oversight to mitigate risks associated with anonymity and money laundering. Technological advancements must work hand-in-hand with regulatory frameworks to promote safe and responsible gambling practices.

Beacon Technology: The Future of Gambling Marketing?

Beacon technology is set to revolutionize how gambling companies market to and engage with their customers. Beacons are wireless transmitters that send data or notifications to nearby smartphones through Bluetooth.

Imagine walking past a local betting shop and receiving an instant notification about special odds for an upcoming game. This kind of proximity marketing already exists and offers enormous potential for personalized marketing. Beacons can also track customer behavior in-store, providing valuable data insights.

However, gambling firms must be cautious. Overusing notifications may cause users to become desensitized or annoyed, leading to a decline in engagement. Strategic implementation is crucial for leveraging the full potential of beacon technology without driving customers away.

Conclusion

The future of gambling is incredibly dynamic, with emerging technologies such as AI, ML, VR/AR, and blockchain promising to revolutionize the sector. These advancements will make gaming more engaging, secure, and efficient, although they bring challenges requiring careful management. Integrating these technologies with existing systems and regulatory frameworks is pivotal for reaping their full benefits.

The gambling industry is poised for an exciting future, marked by innovation and technological advancements. Stay tuned for further developments as the industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace.

HPC-AI Challenge

(Click to expand)

The International Society for Computational Biology is pleased to announce the HPC-AI Advisory Council (HPCAIAC) and National Supercomputing Centre (NSCC) Singapore 2021 APAC HPC-AI Competition.

High-performance computing and artificial intelligence are the most essential tools fueling the advancement of science. In order to handle the ever-growing demands for higher computation performance and the increase in the complexity of research problems, the world of scientific computing continues to re-innovate itself in a fast pace.

The competition encourages international teams in the APAC region to showcase their HPC and AI expertise in a friendly yet spirited competition that builds critical skills, professional relationships, competitive spirits and lifelong comraderies.

Important Deadlines

• The HPC-AI Advisory Council will finalize the list of competitive teams by April 30^th, 2021
• The HPC-AI Advisory Council will announce the training plan on May 7^th, 2021
• All teams should submit presentation slides together with their code before October 15^th 2021
• The HPC-AI Advisory Council will announce the presentation review agenda on October 19^th, 2021
• The presentation review is scheduled from October 26 to November 6, 2021 via video conference. Each team will have 30 minutes to present and 30 minutes for Q&A.
• The final results will be announced at the Supercomputing Conference 2021 in November 2021, in St. Louis, MO, USA.
• The award ceremony will take place at the Supercomputing Asia 2022 conference in Singapore

The winning teams will receive the following awards*:

• First Place (one team): $5,000 (USD) and a reserved spot representing APAC at the 2022 International ISC Student Cluster Competition
• Second Place (one team): $3,000 (USD)
• Third Place (one team): $1,500 (USD)
• Merit Prize (up to three teams): $1,000 (USD)
• Each team member will receive a certificate.

To become part of a team – register here - http://www.hpcadvisorycouncil.com/events/2021/APAC-AI-HPC/register.php

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ISMB/ECCB 2021 - Distinguished Keynote Presentations

Rodrigo A. Gutierrez

FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation
Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology
Universidad Catolica de Chile
Chile

Introduced by: Marie-France Sagot, Conference Co-Chair
Time: Sunday, July 25, 16:20 - 17:20 UTC
Presentation Title: Phylogenomics and Systems Biology approaches reveal conserved adaptive processes in Atacama Desert plants

ISCB Overton Prize Keynote
Barbara Engelhardt

Associate Professor
Computer Science Department
Princeton University
United States

Introduced by: Rita Casadio, Conference Co-chair
Time: Monday, July 26, 16:20 – 17:20 UTC
Presentation Title: Cells in Space: Methods to investigate local neighborhoods of cells

Eduardo Rocha

Genomes and Genetics
Institut Pasteur
France

Introduced by: Jacques Van Helden, Conference Co-chair
Time: Tuesday, July 27, 16:20 – 17:20 UTC
Presentation Title: Cosmos from chaos: how intra-genomic conflicts and horizontal transfer drive genome evolution

Kate Jones

Chair of Ecology and Biodiversity
Genetics, Evolution & Environment
University College London
United Kingdom

Introduced by: Thomas Lengauer, ISCB Past-President
Time: Wednesday, July 28,16:20 – 17:20 UTC
Presentation Title: Our Planet, Our Health - Ecosystem approaches to forecasting zoonotic diseases

ISCB Innovator Award Keynote
Ben Raphael

Professor, Computer Science
Lewis-Sigler Institute, Princeton University
United States

Introduced by: Christine Orengo, ISCB President
Time: Thursday, July 29, 16:20 – 17:20 UTC
Presentation Title: Quantifying Tumor Heterogeneity across Time and Space

ISCB Accomplishments by a Senior Scientist Award Keynote
Peer Bork

Director (Scientific Activities)
EMBL Heidelberg
Germany

Introduced by: Martin Vingron, ISCB Awards Committee Chair
Time: Friday, July 30, 15:20 – 16:20 UTC
Presentation Title: Analyzing microbes in us and on our planet