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Research Informatics

The Research Informatics Small Research Facility (RI SRF), part of the Centre for Medicines Discovery (CMD), offers a comprehensive range of services and expertise in end-to-end data management and informatics. With over two decades of experience, we specialise in providing innovative solutions to support early-stage drug discovery pipelines, experimental medicine and target research. We work with colleagues within the CMD, the University of Oxford, and research organisations globally, including within large-scale multinational consortia where we lead data management work packages.

HOW WE CAN HELP YOU

  • End-to-end data management across the entire data lifecycle
    • Early-stage drug discovery pipeline: our highly customisable Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Scarab, developed by Molsoft LLC in collaboration with CMD Research Informatics, supports workflows such as protein production, small molecule identification, structural and chemical biology. We offer our data management service as a package as well in partnership with CMD’s Biotechnology, Protein Crystallography and Biochemistry and Biophysics Small Research Facilities. More information about partner facilities can be found on the CMD Platform webpage.
    • Clinical data management and sample tracking: we offer bespoke solutions using Scarab or the REDCap platform. As a registered REDCap Consortium partner, we bring extensive experience in designing complex database structures to capture wide range of datatypes. Our expertise includes the use of ontologies for clinical data harmonisation, ensuring consistency and interoperability.
    • We specialised in data engineering, shaping and deposit your data into your private or public scientific repositories according to your project needs. Our team has proficiency in developing a variety of databases, including Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and Neo4j knowledge graphs.
  • Research software engineering: we develop robust software solutions to meet the unique needs of your research project. Recent examples include the informatics platform supporting the UK Government’s ONS COVID-19 Serology Survey.
  • Web application development: our services encompass web design, development of web applications with bespoke solutions for data capture, analysis and dissemination.
  • Computational chemistry software and expertise: we offer our support in small molecule design and optimisation in chemical biology campaigns.
  • IT infrastructure and research computing expertise: our team designs and implements scalable and efficient IT platforms to support your data management and informatics requirements.

Contact Information

For further inquiries or to discuss your specific needs, please contact us at risrf@cmd.ox.ac.uk. To learn more about our mission, current projects, and achievements, visit our group webpage.

By choosing to work with us, you gain access to a wealth of expertise and cutting-edge solutions tailored to advance your research. Whether you need robust data management, innovative application development, or our expertise, our facility is equipped to meet your needs and assist you in driving your research forward.