What is Computational Biology?
Computational biology integrates mathematics, statistics, computer science, and biological data to develop models and derive insights into biological systems. This interdisciplinary field is critical for analyzing complex biomedical datasets and advancing precision medicine.
Key areas in computational biology include bioinformatics, systems biology, structural biology, and bioimage analysis. Novel computational methods enable analysis of large genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and imaging datasets to understand disease mechanisms, identify biomarkers, design drugs, and optimize treatment strategies.
NFCR's Current Early Detection & Intervention Focus
A little over 2 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the US in 2024 – 20% of new cancer diagnoses come from cancer survivors. One of NFCR’s current focuses is to conduct more research on early cancer detection and early-stage cancer intervention and treatment. We are supporting a group of leading-edge scientists pioneering and investigating innovative approaches to stop cancers at their early stage, such as stage zero, and to detect them before new cancer happens.
Our goal is to reduce cancer incidences and increase cancer survivors. Through a focus on the detection and eradication of the first cancer cell, we can stop cancer before it starts!
NFCR IMPACTS IN EARLY DETECTION AND INTERVENTION RESEARCH
- NFCR has funded research on biomarkers and imaging techniques to improve early detection of cancer, leading to advances like the discovery of altered methylation patterns in precancerous cells.
- Through its public education and awareness efforts, NFCR promotes prevention behaviors like healthy eating, exercise, and recommended cancer screenings that can reduce cancer risk and incidence.
- The Foundation provides funding for chemoprevention research investigating the effectiveness of natural compounds (e.g. antioxidants) and drugs to prevent cancer, furthering the development of risk-reducing options.
NFCR IMPACTS IN COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY RESEARCH
- NFCR funds innovative projects that apply computational methods to analyze cancer genomics data, identifying new therapeutic targets and biomarkers.
- NFCR promotes interdisciplinary collaborations between computational biologists, experimentalists, and clinicians to accelerate the translation of computational insights into clinical applications.
NFCR-Supported Researchers Working on Computational Biology
Elana Fertig, Ph.D
Johns Hopkins University
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
Isidore Rigoutsos, Ph.D.
University Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center
Mario L. Suvà, M.D., Ph.D.
Massachusetts General Hospital Harvard Medical School
Learn More About Early Detection & Intervention (Media)
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Donors who have fueled NFCR’s mission
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Invested in high-impact research & programs
36+ Labs & Hundreds of
Nobel Laureates & Key Scientists received NFCR funding, driving breakthrough research
