:: Center For Bioinformatics and Applied Genomics ::

Rationale
	Bioinformatics is a newly emerging interdisciplinary research area that can be viewed as an interface between biological and computer sciences. Initially arose as a response to the needs to handle massive volume of data generated by global genome sequencing attempts, the discipline has rapidly evolved as a core component of post-genomic research which aims at transforming the sequencing data into the biologically meaningful knowledge The Center for Bioinformatics and Applied Genomics Research Unit (CBAG) at the Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Thailand is a newly established Capability Building Research Unit and a TDR-designated regional training centers for bioinformatics in Asia. The main mandate of CBAG is to promote training and integration of bioinformatics and DNA technologies in basic research.
Goals and Objectives
	Established in February 2002, CBAG has set its goal to promote applications of bioinformatics in biomedical and biological research through training and capability strengthening of researchers. The specific objectives of CBAG are: To establish centralized databases and data management To make available to researchers the necessary application tools for retrieving and analyzing the data To establish networks of local and international bioinformatics resources To promote human resource development through training and establishment of graduate program in bioinformatics
Vision and Mission
	To meet the global challenges of genome-wide studies and the needs to strengthen capability to fully utilize the genome sequence data, CBAG has adopted a vision to be strong and competitive in the field of bioinformatics applied to post-genomic research. The strategies undertaken include human resource development, capacity building and integration of existing networks. CBAG has set plans to focus on the following tasks: Human resource development: organizing international and local training courses on bioinformatics and other cutting-edge technologies. Local and international network integration: initiation of local and international networks, sharing of bioinformatics resources among institutions and universities. Services: assisting and providing technical advises, expertise and making available tools and resources that would promote use of bioinformatics, DNA and genome analysis among researchers. Research & Development: initiating programs in basic research which applied bioinformatics to address post-genomics research questions. Initiation of research and programs focusing on software development and bioinformatics tools through multidisciplinary efforts from public and private sectors.