BGI, formerly known as the Beijing Genomics Institute, was originally formed in 1999 as a genetics research center to participate in the Human Genome Project. Since then, it has grown into one of the world’s largest genomics organizations, with offices and laboratories around the world, including Beijing, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. BGI has undertaken more than 5,000 sequencing projects and generated more than 10 petabytes of raw data so far. It made headlines in 2007 when it successfully carried out the sequencing of China’s first female genome. BGI From Genetics Research to Life Sciences Leader
How BGI got started
BGI was originally founded in 1999 as a genetics research center. The company’s mission was to participate in the Human Genome Project. In the years since, BGI has transformed into a life sciences company, with a focus on genomics and bioinformatics. Today, BGI is a leading player in the global life sciences market, with a strong presence in China and around the world. BGI From Genetics Research to Life Sciences Leader
Why did you choose bioinformatics?
I chose bioinformatics because it is an interdisciplinary field that combines computer science, mathematics, and statistics to analyze and interpret biological data. I was attracted to the challenge of working with large datasets and the opportunity to make a real impact on the advancement of scientific knowledge. Plus, I knew that the skills I would learn would be transferable to other areas of genomics and life sciences.
What has been your experience working at BGI? (five sentences): It has been an amazing experience!
What makes a good bioinformatician?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the skills and experience needed for a successful career in bioinformatics can vary depending on the specific field or industry you want to work in. However, there are some qualities that all good bioinformaticians share. They are
How do you make decisions?
At BGI, we take a data-driven approach to decision making. We collect as much information as possible, analyze it carefully, and then make the best decision based on what the data tells us. This approach has served us well in the past and we believe it is the best way to continue moving forward.
Plans for the future
BGI has come a long way since its early days as a genetics research center. Today, the company is a leading player in the life sciences field, with a strong focus on genomics and health. Looking to the future, BGI plans to continue its focus on genomic research and development, with a view to improving human health and well-being. Additionally, the company is looking to expand its reach into new markets and sectors, in order to continue its growth trajectory.
What keeps you up at night?
For BGI, the question isn’t what keeps them up at night, but rather what they’re doing to keep others up at night. The company has been making headlines lately for their cutting-edge work in the life sciences, and they show no signs of slowing down. With a mission to use genomic technology to improve human health and well-being, BGI is making a difference in the lives of people all over the world.
How can we get into bioinformatics?
BGI has always been at the forefront of genetics research, and more recently, has expanded into the field of bioinformatics. So how can we get into this growing field? Here are five ways:
1. Get a degree in bioinformatics or a related field.
2. Attend conferences and networking events.
3. Read books and articles on the subject.
4. Stay up-to-date with technology developments.
5. Join an online community or forum.
Q. & A.
BGI has come a long way since its early days as a genetics research center. Today, the company is a leading player in the life sciences industry, with a wide range of products and services. We sat down with BGI’s CEO, Dr. Jiankui He, to learn more about the company’s journey and its plans for the future.
What does BGI do?
BGI’s mission is to use genomic technology to improve human health and enable a better future for all of humanity. They focus on four main areas: cancer, neurological diseases, infectious diseases, and agriculture. In each of these areas, they are working to develop new technologies and applications that will help us better understand and treat these conditions.
How does genomics work?
Genomics is the study of genes and their function. In other words, it’s the study of how living things inherit traits from their parents. The Human Genome Project was an international effort to map out all of the genes in the human body. BGI played a major role in this project, and has since become a leading life sciences company. Today, BGI provides a wide range of services, including sequencing, bioinformatics, and genetic counseling.