Strengthening bioinformatics education: e-learning initiatives across ELIXIR Nodes and Communities

The rapid evolution of bioinformatics and data-driven life sciences necessitates widespread, effective training solutions capable of transcending geographical and institutional boundaries. ELIXIR, as a pan-European bioinformatics research infrastructure, has strategically embraced e-learning methodologies to meet this challenge. This white paper systematically reviews the current landscape of e-learning initiatives across various ELIXIR Nodes and Communities, detailing both historical developments and contemporary practices. It identifies core attributes and desirable features of effective e-learning, presenting an analysis of diverse educational platforms and the deployment of Learning Management Systems (LMS) within ELIXIR's framework. Emphasis is placed on the interactive, open-access, and sustainable nature of these resources, exemplified by platforms such as the Training e-Support System (TeSS) and the ELIXIR-SI eLearning Platform (EeLP). The paper highlights critical advancements toward standardization and interoperability through initiatives such as the adoption of SCORM protocols, facilitating resource reuse across Nodes. Additionally, the integration of e-learning into broader educational strategies-such as hybrid learning environments and structured learning paths-is examined. Finally, future directions are discussed, including strategies for integrating e-learning with traditional training methods, enhancing trainer expertise, and further expanding the availability and FAIRification of bioinformatics training resources.

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Publication Details

Journal
F1000Research
Published
2025-12-22
DOI
https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.173116.1
Primary Topic
Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Biomedical Research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Strengthening bioinformatics education: e-learning initiatives across ELIXIR Nodes and Communities

Cătălina Zenoaga-Barbăroşie, Sebastian Beier, Bérénice Batut, Samantha Wittke et al.
F1000Research
Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Biomedical Research
article

Strengthening bioinformatics education: e-learning initiatives across ELIXIR Nodes and Communities

Cătălina Zenoaga-Barbăroşie, Sebastian Beier, Bérénice Batut, Samantha Wittke, Bogdan Mirăuță, Marc Anton, Helena Rasche, Brane Leskošek, Maria Lehtivaara, Alexia Cardona, Olivier Sand, Minna Ahokas, Krzysztof Poterlowicz, Ajay Mishra, Kristina Gruden, Alexander Botzki, Monique Zahn-Zabala, Rob Waterhouse, Eija Korpelainen, Cyril Pommier, Daniel Wibberg
article en

Abstract

The rapid evolution of bioinformatics and data-driven life sciences necessitates widespread, effective training solutions capable of transcending geographical and institutional boundaries. ELIXIR, as a pan-European bioinformatics research infrastructure, has strategically embraced e-learning methodologies to meet this challenge. This white paper systematically reviews the current landscape of e-learning initiatives across various ELIXIR Nodes and Communities, detailing both historical developments and contemporary practices. It identifies core attributes and desirable features of effective e-learning, presenting an analysis of diverse educational platforms and the deployment of Learning Management Systems (LMS) within ELIXIR's framework. Emphasis is placed on the interactive, open-access, and sustainable nature of these resources, exemplified by platforms such as the Training e-Support System (TeSS) and the ELIXIR-SI eLearning Platform (EeLP). The paper highlights critical advancements toward standardization and interoperability through initiatives such as the adoption of SCORM protocols, facilitating resource reuse across Nodes. Additionally, the integration of e-learning into broader educational strategies-such as hybrid learning environments and structured learning paths-is examined. Finally, future directions are discussed, including strategies for integrating e-learning with traditional training methods, enhancing trainer expertise, and further expanding the availability and FAIRification of bioinformatics training resources.

F1000ResearchVol. 14
SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (CH), European Bioinformatics Institute (GB), University of Bradford (GB), University of Ljubljana (SI), Forschungszentrum Jülich (DE), Université Clermont Auvergne (FR), University of Cambridge (GB), Université Paris-Saclay (FR), Erasmus MC (NL), Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (BE), Universitatea de Medicină, Farmacie, Științe și Tehnologie „George Emil Palade” din Târgu Mureș (RO), Institut Français de Bioinformatique (FR), National Institute of Biology (SI), CSC - IT Center for Science (Finland) (FI), Elixir Medical (United States) (US), Chalmers University of Technology (SE), Erasmus University Rotterdam (NL)
Openalex Percentile: Top 35%
Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Biomedical Research
DOIOpen Access PDFOpenAlex
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