Neuroinformatics

Neuroinformatics is the application of computational methods and information technology to research on the nervous system. The interdisciplinary and high-technology approaches used in NeuroDevNet research generate vast quantities of data that no human can handle or understand without the help of a computer. NeuroDevNet thus requires sophisticated mechanisms for the collection, management, storage, distribution, and analysis of numerous types of data coming from multiple sites across Canada. The Neuroinformatics core was established to meet these needs.

The core is establishing databases, software and web resources for NeuroDevNet, working closely with the demonstration project research teams, to help handle the challenges posed by large quantities of clinical, brain imaging, and genetics data. For example, we have established a patient registry database system for the cerebral palsy demonstration project. Ongoing work includes the implementation of systems for managing human and animal genetic and phenotypic data, and standardized databases for brain imaging data storage. The core is situated as a key hub between the projects, working to connect information about multiple aspects of brain development, and to help identify relationships among neurodevelopmental disorders. By advancing the ability to query and analyze huge quantities of complex data, the Neuroinformatics core will play an important role in mining new knowledge from the research in NeuroDevNet. Our long-term goal is to give brain development researchers the ability to effectively use data not just from NeuroDevNet, but information from research conducted by researchers anywhere in the world.

Team Leads

Dr. Paul Pavlidis
Scientific Director
University of British Columbia
paul@chibi.ubc.ca

Dr. Alan Evans
Imaging lead
McGill University
alan@bic.mni.mcgill.ca

Primary Contact

Dr. Elodie Portales-Casamar
NeuroInformatics Core Manager
University of British Columbia
elodie@neurodevnet.ca