International Society for Biocuration

International Society for Biocuration (ISB) is a professional association that supports and promotes the field of biocuration. Biocuration involves the collection, management, and enhancement of biological data, with the goal of making biological information accessible and useful to the scientific community. The ISB plays a crucial role in establishing standards, promoting best practices, and facilitating collaboration among biocurators, bioinformaticians, and life sciences researchers.

Overview

The International Society for Biocuration was established to provide a forum for individuals and organizations involved in the curation of biological data. As the volume of biological information grows exponentially, the role of biocurators in organizing, annotating, and ensuring the quality of this data becomes increasingly important. The ISB aims to support biocurators in their work, advocate for the recognition of biocuration as a professional field, and promote the sharing of knowledge and methodologies within the community.

Mission and Goals

The mission of the ISB is to promote the field of biocuration and support the community of biocurators. Its goals include:

• Enhancing the visibility and recognition of biocuration as a critical component of data-driven research in the life sciences.
• Establishing standards and best practices for biocuration.
• Facilitating communication and collaboration among biocurators and between biocurators and other stakeholders in the life sciences.
• Providing education and training opportunities for current and future biocurators.

Activities

The ISB engages in a variety of activities to support its mission, including:

• Organizing the annual International Biocuration Conference, which serves as a key forum for biocurators, bioinformaticians, and researchers to share knowledge and discuss advancements in the field.
• Publishing the Biocuration journal, which provides a platform for the dissemination of research, methodologies, and commentary relevant to the field of biocuration.
• Offering professional development resources, such as webinars and workshops, to help biocurators enhance their skills and advance their careers.
• Advocating for the interests of biocurators in policy discussions and funding decisions that impact the field of biocuration.

Membership

Membership in the ISB is open to individuals and organizations involved in or supporting the field of biocuration. Members benefit from access to a network of professionals, opportunities for professional development, and reduced registration fees for the International Biocuration Conference.

Impact

The work of the ISB and its members has a significant impact on the life sciences by ensuring that biological data is accurately curated, easily accessible, and usable for research. This contributes to advancements in areas such as genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics, facilitating discoveries that can lead to improvements in health, agriculture, and environmental management.

See Also

• Bioinformatics
• Genomics
• Proteomics
• Data curation