On this page:
How BAtl Works
The BAtl Network facilitates monthly seminars and networking events, hosted by different institutions in Atlantic Canada. Our hybrid seminars on BCBDS topics are followed by collaborative in-person networking events which facilitate mentorship and professional networks.
The BAtl Mission and Vision
Mission
Our mission is to build a collaborative community that connects and empowers BCBDS (Bioinformatics, Computational Biology and Data Science) trainees, researchers, and professionals across Atlantic Canada through Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA)-driven programming and meaningful knowledge exchange.
Vision
Our vision is an inclusive, collaborative BCBDS community in Atlantic Canada that empowers its diverse members to lead, innovate, and contribute to a stronger national bioinformatics ecosystem. We engage with institutions, student groups, and professional organizations that serve equity-owed communities in order to grow our network beyond traditional academic circles.
How We Build Bioinformatics and Data Science Capacity
Our in-person locations change in order to engage as many local participants as possible. We prioritize giving trainee speakers a platform to enhance their professional networks. As a network, BAtl serves BCBDS students, researchers, educators, and professionals in Atlantic Canada. We are committed to amplifying underrepresented voices and supporting equitable access to our community.
Meet our team
Our organizing committee reflects BAtl’s IDEA values and represents a spectrum of backgrounds and career stages. We have twelve team members across eleven institutions in Atlantic Canada.
Dr. Rob Beiko
Dalhousie University
Ben Fisher, MSc
Dalhousie University
Dr. Zoë Migicovsky
Acadia University
Dr. Natalie Diether
Dalhousie University (Agricultural Campus)
Dr. Lourdes Peña-Castillo
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Dr. Lori Borgal
Mount Saint Vincent University
Dr. Daniel Gaston
NS Health / Dalhousie University
Dr. Cory Bishop
St. Francis Xavier University
Dr. Somayeh Kafaie
St. Mary’s University
Dr. Eric Allain
Université de Moncton
Dr. Adrian Reyes-Prieto
University of New Brunswick (Fredericton)
Dr. Brent Robicheau
University of Prince Edward Island
FAQs
What is BAtl?
BAtl is a Bioinformatics User Group (or BUG), which is a group of researchers, professionals and trainees with an interest in bioinformatics, computational biology, and data science in Atlantic Canada. Previously, several BUGs have been established and operated across Canada – some notable groups are VanBUG (Vancouver, BC), MonBUG (Montréal, QC), TorBUG and BioNet Alberta (Lethbridge, AB).
Although operated out of Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, BAtl activities take place in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Why did we create BAtl?
We developed the BAtl network to enhance the professional skills and careers of the next generation of bioinformatics talent in Atlantic Canada. Unlike other parts of Canada, there are currently no centralized bioinformatics user groups in the Atlantic region. We are addressing the need of our region’s researchers, professionals and trainees to engage with and recruit future trainees and build a stronger bioinformatics skill ecosystem.
When and Where does BAtl take place?
BAtl operates with in-person and hybrid components. Our events take place nine out of twelve months of the year on the third Thursday of: September, October, November; January, February, March; May, June, and July.
We select a different host institution in Atlantic Canada for BAtl events. Each month, the host institution offers an in-person (hybrid) seminar followed by an in-person networking event. In order to enhance networking and engagement across the entire Atlantic region, the seminar portion is presented on Microsoft Teams – webinar registration links are on the corresponding event page.
For a list of upcoming (and previous) events, you can visit our Events page here!
How can I get involved?
If you are interested in participating in a BAtl event, you can check our Events page for upcoming seminar and social events.
If you would like to support BAtl by speaking, hosting, or assisting with event planning, you can contact the person from our team at your local institution, or reach out to Ben Fisher at support@batl.bio.
We rely on sponsors to support the in-person networking component of our events. Contact Ben Fisher (support@batl.bio) for additional information about sponsorship opportunities.
