WeNMR · A worldwide e-Infrastructure for NMR and structural biology

Structural biology and life sciences in general, and NMR in particular, have always been associated with advanced computing. The current challenges in the post-genomic era, with their focus on biomolecular interactions, call for virtual research platforms that provide the worldwide research community with both user-friendly tools, platforms for data analysis and exchange, and an underlying e-infrastructure.<br/>The WeNMR project will group different research teams into a virtual research community at a worldwide level. It builds on the established eNMR e-Infrastructure tightly integrated into the EGEE and its steadily growing virtual organization currently representing the second largest VO in the life science area. WeNMR will consolidate the operation of the current services and provide an e-Infrastucture platform and structural biology Science Gateway towards EGI for the users of existing infrastructures. It will involve researchers from around the world and will build bridges to other areas of structural biology. Integration with a rapidly growing and highly complementary method, SAXS, is directly included in WeNMR, but links will also be established to related cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography initiatives. WeNMR will serve all relevant INSTRUCT communities in line with the ESFRI roadmap.<br/>From an e-infrastructure viewpoint, WeNMR will strengthen the European ties with National Grid Initiatives, the new EGI and PRACE initiatives toward an effective sharing of the offered service. Collaborations will be established with the Asian, South-African, South- and North-American GRID initiatives, in close contact with the existing EC projects, to extend and open the WeNMR Life-Science Gateway at global level. WeNMR will establish and promote best practices in life sciences and offers (virtual) training services to worldwide researchers. It will work with all stakeholders, including an industry panel, to ensure its sustainability.