The BHF REA4 Bioinformatics Core (BHF.Bio.Core) supports BHF REA4 funded researchers by providing expertise in computational analysis of high-throughput data (next-generation sequencing data, imaging, metabolomics and other outputs). Our mission is to empower discovery by combining technical proficiency with biological insight, enabling researchers to generate, process and interpret complex datasets with confidence. We aim to be a collaborative partner in research, offering tailored analysis pipelines, training and guidance. A moderate charge per operator hour applies to help sustain resources, training and infrastructure, at a fraction of standard industry rates. By bridging cardiovascular and adjacent biology (for example renal and neural) with data science, we ensure that your data is handled rigorously, reproducibly and in line with best practices for publication and long-term storage.

The BHF.Bio.Core can provide end-to-end collaborative project support, from planning to final data delivery. Typical workflows include:

• Contact and Scoping – Reach out via our booking system. This will trigger a kickoff meeting to scope project goals, datasets and timelines.
• Datastore Setup – Secure project directory created on SBMS datastore.
• Data & Metadata Receipt – Raw data (FASTQ, BAM, imaging) and metadata transferred. Templates provided to ensure consistency.
• Project Execution – Analysis in stages with regular progress updates. Early communication of blockers. Project review before release.
• Completion & Handover – Deliver results in agreed format: processed data, visual reports, code repositories.
• Walkthrough & Training – One-to-one walkthrough and GitHub repo for version-controlled code/documentation.

If you are planning a research study, we recommend contacting us early to ensure your study is statistically robust and financially realistic.

Booking

Hands-on computational courses every 4 months for 6–8 participants over 4–5 days. Content includes genomics workflows, R, Python, Unix, read mapping and differential expression analysis following Data Carpentries principles.

Data Carpentries

Tailored one-to-one guidance for graduate students, postdocs and senior staff – improving data interpretation and initiating skills transfer to colleagues: 

• bespoke data analysis
• troubleshooting
• workflow optimisation
• figure production

Our cost-recovery model supports staff development, training, conferences, and essential Eddie datastore/storage and compute charges. Services remain excellent value – £65 per operator hour – typically around one-third of comparable industry pricing and in line with equivalent support at the Institute for Regeneration and Repair (IRR).

Support is fully collaborative, with the Bhf.Core.Bio team appropriately recognised through authorship or grant acknowledgement per the CMVM Fair Publication Policy. We strive to work transparently, recognising contributions and building effective research partnerships.

CMVM Fair Publication Policy

Location:

• Room Location: QMRI W1.05
• Address: QMRI, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ

• Email
• Book a Meeting

Office Hours: 9am–4pm, Monday–Friday

British Heart Foundation Research Excellence Award 4