Running a bioinformatics core means navigating a unique set of challenges that most shared resource facilities never face - from justifying computational infrastructure costs to demonstrating the value of work that often happens invisibly behind the scenes. And with AI reshaping both the tools cores use and the expectations placed on them, those challenges are only getting more complex.
This year at MAD SSCi 2026, we're running a dedicated pre-conference workshop designed specifically for the people tackling these problems every day.
Bioinformatics Core Challenges and Opportunities takes place Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 1:00–5:00 PM at The Heldrich in New Brunswick, NJ. Lunch will be provided free for early arrivals starting at 12:00 PM. The afternoon brings together bioinformatics core leaders from Rutgers, Johns Hopkins, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the University of North Carolina - along with a consulting perspective from Chris Cherry - for four sessions covering the operational realities of running a computational core:
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Business & Funding Models (Panel) - charging models, what institutions actually tolerate around operational deficits, and how AI may impact these
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Strategic Planning (Presentation & Discussion) - needs assessments, infrastructure investment, data storage/management, training, and the impact of AI
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Demonstrating Value Added (Roundtable) - tracking publications and grants, reporting metrics to leadership, platforms in use, and utilizing AI
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Engagement (Presentation & Discussion) - building integrated workflows between bioinformatics and molecular cores, including how to get bioinformatics involved at the grant-writing stage
Who should attend?
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Bioinformatics Core Directors, Managers & Administrators
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Research Operations Leaders
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Molecular Core Directors interested in engaging with bioinformatics for integrated workflows
Details:
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Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026, 12:00 PM (lunch) / 1:00–5:00 PM (workshop)
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Location: The Heldrich, New Brunswick, NJ
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Cost: $50
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Attendance Limit: 40 (registration is first-come, first-served)
Hotel Information
The workshop and full conference are held at The Heldrich, in the heart of New Brunswick. A conference rate of $159/night is available - book by August 4th to secure it.
Hotel & travel booking info
Beyond the Workshop: The Full MAD SSCi 2026 Conference
This pre-conference workshop is just the start. The full conference features a plenary session on human-AI collaboration in core facility administration, along with concurrent tracks on Animal Model Cores, Molecular Core Operations, and Multiomics & Bioinformatics - covering everything from single-cell and spatial omics analysis to how bioinformatics and molecular cores can coordinate earlier in the research process to improve experimental design and data quality.
Conference registrants can also attend a half-day session on Friday, Navigating Business Critical Conversations - at no additional cost.
If this fits your work - or the work of colleagues on your team - we'd welcome you to join us. Space is limited, so please register early, and feel free to forward this invitation to anyone else at your institution who might benefit.
Register here: https://web.cvent.com/event/37b3602f-4898-40fe-bf46-59a606b4b2f5/register
Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Best regards,
Amy Olex
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Amy Olex
Lead Bioinformatics Data Engineer
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond VA
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