Bioinformatics focuses on the development of computational methods for collecting, handling and analyzing biological data. Research spans from formulating models and theories about biological systems to constructing algorithms and developing computer programs, requiring expertise across many traditional disciplines.
BiRC has a strong emphasis on molecular evolution, molecular population genetics, and statistical and algorithmic approaches to bioinformatics. Our research spans from addressing purely theoretical questions to program development, applications, and empirical collaborations.
Bioinformatics research at Aarhus University were initiated in the late 1980s and experienced significant growth throughout the 1990s. The Bioinformatics Research Centre (BiRC) was established in January 2001 as a collaboration between the Faculty of Science (now Faculty of Natural Sciences) and the Faculty of Health.
From March 2001 to June 2008 BiRC was housed in the so-called officers' building (building 1090) at Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 10, which was later demolished to make way for the Skou building (buildings 1115-1116). In August 2008, the centre moved to building 1110 at C. F. Møllers Alle 8, where it occupied the 3rd and 4th floors.
In January 2022 BiRC relocated to a new, renovated building (building 1872) at the University City. As of July 2023, the Bioinformatics Research Centre (BiRC) has become part of the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG). Despite the integration, the BiRC brand will be maintained as an independent entity within the new organization, preserving its strong interdisciplinary and cross-faculty nature.
