Computational Biology
Overview
The research and health ecosystem has entered an era where vast amounts of biological and clinical data are continuously generated. Integrating, analyzing, and understanding these data are only possible with computational tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Incorporating such tools across the biomedical ecosystem has great promise to further the understanding of biological mechanisms, advance translational research, and enhance clinical care for better patient outcomes.
The field of computational biology sits at the nexus of biology, big data, and computer science. The principles of AI intersect with the larger discipline of computational biology. Methods and approaches use mathematical modeling, simulations, analytics, statistical methods, and algorithm development to address biology-based questions.
The application of computational tools can revolutionize how to study, prevent, and treat human disease. However, the unique nature of the biomedical ecosystem brings specific challenges that must be overcome before the promise of these tools to help people live longer and healthier lives can be fully realized.
The Biswas Family Foundation partnered with the Milken Institute Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) in 2023 to conduct a comprehensive review of the computational biology field and identify areas of opportunity for philanthropy to advance the integration of computational tools in biomedical research and clinical care.
Using the findings and insights from this analysis, which are published in Transformative Computational Biology, a Giving Smarter Guide, the Biswas Family Foundation developed the Transformative Computational Biology Grant Program, which is focused on accelerating the use of computational approaches in translational research and clinical settings to improve the well-being and health of the global community.
Funded Research
Biswas Family Foundation Transformative Computational Biology Grant Awardees
In the first cycle of the Transformative Computational Biology Grant Program, the Biswas Family Foundation will fund five multidisciplinary research teams across the US for almost $14 million over three years. The funded grants aim to leverage computational approaches and AI within biomedical research for improved disease diagnosis and treatment.

Computational Biology
Program Resources
Biswas Family Foundation Transformative Computational Biology Grant Awardees
The Biswas Family Foundation and the Milken Institute are pleased to announce the five research teams selected to receive funding in the first cycle of the Transformative Computational Biology Grant Program. Almost $14 million has been...Read ArticleTransformative Computational Biology: A Giving Smarter Guide
Computational tools can rapidly identify patterns in vast volumes of biomedical and clinical data, leading to discoveries that can transform the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases to improve human health. While the scientific...Read ReportBiswas Family Foundation, Milken Institute Announce $15 Million in Funding for Research at the Intersection of AI and Health
WASHINGTON, DC (March 12, 2024) — The Biswas Family Foundation, in partnership with the Milken Institute Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC), is pleased to announce the inaugural recipients of the...Read Article
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