In the first phase of the project, IBM will provide MU with an IBM iDataPlex high performance computing system, along with related software, that will integrate with the university's existing computing infrastructure to significantly speed the process of DNA sequencing and analysis of humans, plants and animals.  The iDataPlex will also be used to collect and store the massive amounts of data that result from that work, providing MU researchers with more reference points.  

The second phase will involve MU and IBM working together to create a prototype cloud computing environment for genomics research, followed by a final phase in which the genomics cloud would become fully operational and be expanded to a regional domain.  This first-of-a-kind cloud would allow sharing of bioinformatics resources among universities and institutions across a larger geographic area, which could potentially lead to a "Life Sciences Corridor" across Missouri and Kansas, and throughout the Midwest.

"IBM is excited to work with the University of Missouri on its important genomics research, to tap into the wealth of talent at the university, and to jointly develop a genomics cloud that could fundamentally change the practice of medicine as we know it," said Elmer Corbin, director, University Alliances, IBM.  "This project will not only benefit the University of Missouri, it will help establish the Midwest as a life sciences research hub."

The joint IBM-MU research project is part of an IBM Shared University Research Award.  IBM's Shared University Research Award program strives to connect the research and researchers at universities with IBM Research, IBM Life Sciences, IBM Global Services and IBM's development and product labs.  The Shared University Research Award program is designed to, among other things, increase access to IBM technologies for research and in curriculum.

SOURCE IBM