Integrative Structural and Computational Biology
The technological revolution is driving radical advances in what’s possible in biomedical science. At the Scripps Research Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, we push the limits of what can be discovered using new technologies and drive technologies and scientific approaches forward to overcome barriers to discovery. Through our highly ranked graduate school and postdoctoral programs, we cultivate future scientific leaders in integrative and computational biology. Whether we are deciphering the molecular structure of important proteins using cryogenic electron microscopy, using powerful computer algorithms to explore how genetic factors influence disease, or using wearable sensors to track patients’ health, we are paving the way to the next generation of drugs and precision therapies.
Structural and computational biology are continuously evolving with significant advances, particularly in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology. Such advances in technologies, methodologies, and accelerated throughput are enabling rapid determination of structures of important biological molecules and complex assemblies of molecules. Molecular structures that only a few years ago seemed impossible to decipher are now being solved with remarkable regularity.
In addition, powerful computation and bioinformatics are playing an increasingly important role in all facets of biological research. The integration of computational methods with the current arsenal of biophysical techniques is critical for understanding complex biological systems. This is already paying huge dividends where seemingly intractable problems can be approached using a combination of methods.