IRB launches Maths4Life to train biostatisticians

IRB Barcelona has opened Maths4Life Summer Stays Programme, designed for young students and graduates—especially those trained in statistics, maths, informatics and bioinformatics—interested in applying their knowledge to biomedical research. Over the three summer months, and for a minimum of 250 hours and beginning in July, the selected participants will collaborate in the development of computational and statistical methods applicable to research in biology and biomedicine.

With this new training programme, IRB Barcelona seeks to promote specialization of biomedical data analysts, an emerging profession that is in great demand among leading international groups. “Translating thousands of data into something that is understandable and manageable requires theory, methodology and technology,” explains Camille Stephan-Otto Attolini, head of IRB Barcelona’s Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Unit.

“Nowadays there is a need for interdisciplinary groups with experts ranging from clinical settings to informatics, passing through biology and biostatistics. What’s more, among these professionals there is a need for someone who can build bridges, someone capable of combining other disciplines with the aim to better exploit the data,” continues Stephan-Otto, who holds a PhD in Mathematics.

The participants selected can choose a placement in the following labs:

• Structural Bioinformatics and Network Biology
• Molecular Modelling and Bioinformatics
• Stem Cells and Cancer
• Biostatistics/Bioinformatics Unit

The deadline for applications is 30 May. Four fellowships are offered. For more information: Maths 4 Life – Summer Stays at IRB Barcelona

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