The Open Bioinformatics Foundation (OBF) is a non-profit organization that supports the development and use of open-source bioinformatics software and resources. Founded in 2001, its mission is to promote and support the progression of the field through the collaborative efforts of individuals and organizations involved in bioinformatics.
The OBF primarily serves as a platform for the coordination and advancement of open-source bioinformatics projects and initiatives. It encourages the sharing and collaborative development of software, databases, and other resources by providing infrastructure, support, and funding opportunities. The foundation also plays a significant role in coordinating community-driven events, such as conferences, workshops, and hackathons, which facilitate knowledge exchange and foster innovation in the field.
One of the key aspects of the OBF is its commitment to open-source principles. It promotes the use of licenses that allow users to access, modify, and distribute software freely, ensuring transparency, reproducibility, and community-driven development. By embracing openness, the foundation aims to accelerate scientific discovery, empower researchers, and foster a global community that collectively addresses the challenges and opportunities in bioinformatics.
The OBF operates through the efforts of its members, who contribute their time, expertise, and resources to further the foundation’s goals. It collaborates with universities, research institutions, and industry partners to support projects of diverse scales and areas in bioinformatics, ultimately striving to make valuable advancements in the field widely accessible to the scientific community and beyond.
