Transformative Computational Biology: A Giving Smarter Guide

Computational biology is a rapidly evolving, interdisciplinary field that draws from computer science, mathematics, biology, statistics, and data analysis. By using advanced computational tools and methods, researchers and clinicians are transforming how we understand, prevent, and treat human disease. Recognizing its potential, public and private funders are prioritizing investments in computational approaches to biomedical and health research.

In 2023, SPARC partnered with the Biswas Family Foundation to conduct a landscape analysis of the field and highlight opportunities for philanthropic investment. The resulting Transformative Computational Biology: A Giving Smarter Guide offers key insights for funders seeking to make a meaningful impact at the intersection of artificial intelligence and health while ensuring that cutting-edge technologies are thoughtfully leveraged to enhance the well-being of communities around the world. The following four high-level strategies are featured:

• Improve and expand large-scale open data initiatives and infrastructure.
• Support the development and training of the necessary interdisciplinary workforce.
• Integrate computational tools into research and care through pilot studies and expanded infrastructure access.
• Expand the implementation of computational tools for clinical applications.