Through that special year, we have focused the interests of a large number of computer scientists and mathematicians on the field of molecular biology, created real partnerships between mathematical and biological scientists, and trained outstanding young people to work in computational biology. We feel that the time is right for another highly visible special year thrust, like the one in 1994-95. At the time of our first special year, there was a need to address, review, and coordinate a variety of topics and methods, as well as to introduce many people to the field. Computational biology prior to the first special year was largely focused on a few problems such as alignments, physical mapping, and reconstructing phylogenies. Moreover, it is their expectation that they can establish and nurture lines of communication and collaboration so that the new methods of information science that arise from the special focus can be quickly adapted to biological applications, and can be readily communicated to the biological community.
Some funds are available for travel and local support.
Those with suggestions for workshops or interested in participating are encouraged to contact any member of the organizing committee by e-mail.