SIB launches the Centre for Pathogen Bioinformatics to strengthen global pandemic response

The Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics has inaugurated its Centre for Pathogen Bioinformatics in Lausanne to enhance pathogen research and surveillance.

The Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB) has inaugurated its Centre for Pathogen Bioinformatics, a dedicated hub for pathogen research and surveillance. This initiative follows SIB’s influential role during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and aims to strengthen coordinated research efforts in computational pathogen studies. With this center, SIB aims to support Swiss federal authorities and the global research community, advance Switzerland’s leadership in pathogen bioinformatics, and contribute to international pandemic preparedness.

The new Centre consolidates expertise across the SIB national network, using tools and methods proven effective during COVID-19. It aims to enhance real-time surveillance capabilities and provide robust data management for bioinformatics applications. Positioned as a global contributor to pandemic response strategies, the center will play a key role in supporting public health activities at national and international levels.

Structurally, the Centre is designed as a multi-site initiative with three principal groups. Led by Managing Director Aitana Neves, an expert in clinical bioinformatics, the Centre’s operational activities span several SIB groups and institutions. A Steering Board, including prominent leaders like Niko Beerenwinkel, Richard Neher, Emma Hodcroft, and Tanja Stadler, oversees strategic direction and collaborative efforts. An Advisory Board of national and international experts will provide guidance to ensure alignment with global surveillance standards, with members expected to join in the fall. In addition, a Focus Group will bring together SIB members involved in the Center’s mission to provide feedback and insights.

A primary objective for the Centre is to sustain and develop bioinformatics resources vital for molecular data analysis, such as SPSP, Nextstrain, CoVSpectrum, Loculus, CoVariants, and V-pipe. By expanding these resources, the Centre seeks to catalyze new synergies within pathogen bioinformatics and establish sustainable infrastructures for ongoing and future projects.