Top departmental users of Scripps HPC 2017–20.

Biology has been transformed by the rapid development of computing and the concurrent rise of data-rich approaches such as, omics or high-resolution imaging. However, there is a persistent computational skills gap in the biomedical research workforce. Inherent limitations of classroom teaching and institutional core support highlight the need for accessible ways for researchers to explore developments in computational biology. An analysis of the Scripps Research Genomics Core revealed increases in the total number and diversity of experiments: the share of experiments other than bulk RNA- or DNA-sequencing increased from 34% to 60% within 10 years, requiring more tailored computational analyses. These challenges were tackled by forming a volunteer-led affinity group of approximately 300 academic biomedical researchers interested in computational biology, referred to as the Computational Biology and Bioinformatics (CBB) affinity group. This adaptive group has provided continuing education and networking opportunities through seminars, workshops, and coding sessions while evolving along with the needs of its members. A survey of CBB’s impact confirmed the group’s events increased the members’ exposure to computational biology educational and research events (79% respondents) and networking opportunities (61% respondents). Thus, volunteer-led affinity groups may be a viable complement to traditional institutional resources for enhancing the application of computing in biomedical research.

计算科学的迅猛发展以及组学（omics）、高分辨成像等数据密集型研究方法的同步兴起，彻底重塑了生物学领域。然而，生物医学研究从业者群体长期存在计算技能缺口。课堂教学的固有局限与机构核心支持的不足，凸显了为研究者提供便捷途径以探索计算生物学前沿进展的必要性。斯克里普斯研究所基因组学核心实验室（Scripps Research Genomics Core）的分析显示，实验总数量与多样性均有所提升：十年内，非批量RNA或DNA测序的实验占比从34%升至60%，这对定制化计算分析提出了更高需求。针对这些挑战，研究团队组建了一个由志愿者主导的兴趣小组，成员为约300名关注计算生物学的学术生物医学研究者，该小组即计算生物学与生物信息学（Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, CBB）兴趣小组。该自适应小组通过学术讲座、专题工作坊与编程实操研讨班等形式，持续提供继续教育与学术社交机会，并根据成员需求不断调整发展方向。针对CBB影响力的调研证实，该小组举办的活动提升了成员接触计算生物学教育与研究活动的覆盖率（79%受访者），同时拓展了成员的学术社交资源（61%受访者）。由此可见，由志愿者主导的兴趣小组可作为传统机构资源的有效补充，助力推动计算技术在生物医学研究中的应用。