Terri Attwood: Pioneering Bioinformatician and Developer of the InterPro and PRINTS Databases

Terri Attwood (born January 12, 1965) is a renowned British bioinformatician and researcher, distinguished for her pioneering work in the fields of bioinformatics, molecular biology, and computational genomics. Attwood is widely recognized for her contributions to the development of databases and tools that are integral to the analysis and interpretation of biological data.

Early Life and Education

Terri Attwood

Terri Attwood was born in Manchester, England. She pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Manchester, where she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry. Her interest in computational approaches to biological problems led her to further her education at the University of Edinburgh, where she completed her PhD in Bioinformatics under the supervision of Professor David Gilbert.

Academic and Professional Career

Attwood began her academic career as a research scientist at the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI), where she contributed to the development of several key bioinformatics resources. Her early work focused on the creation and management of protein databases, which are essential for understanding protein structure and function.

One of Attwood's most notable achievements is her role in the development of the InterPro database, a comprehensive resource that integrates protein domain and functional site information from multiple sources. This database has become a cornerstone of bioinformatics research, enabling scientists to make more informed predictions about protein function and interactions.

In addition to her work on InterPro, Attwood has been involved in the development of other influential tools and resources, including the PRINTS database, which provides information on protein families based on conserved motifs. Her research has significantly advanced the field of protein family classification and functional annotation.

Attwood has also made substantial contributions to the development of educational resources in bioinformatics. She has authored and co-authored numerous publications and textbooks that serve as foundational texts for students and researchers in the field. Her textbook, "Bioinformatics for Beginners," is widely used in academic courses and has been praised for its accessible approach to complex bioinformatics concepts.

Contributions and Impact

Terri Attwood's work has had a profound impact on the field of bioinformatics. By developing and refining databases and tools that are widely used by researchers around the world, she has played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of molecular biology and genomics. Her contributions have facilitated breakthroughs in areas such as protein structure prediction, functional annotation, and comparative genomics.

Attwood's research has been recognized through numerous awards and honors. She has been invited to speak at international conferences and has served on the editorial boards of several prestigious journals in the field of bioinformatics. Her work continues to influence the development of new computational methods and resources in biology.

Personal Life

Terri Attwood is known for her commitment to mentoring and supporting the next generation of bioinformaticians. She is actively involved in various outreach programs and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion within the scientific community.

In her personal life, Attwood enjoys hiking and traveling, often combining these interests with her professional commitments by attending international conferences and research collaborations in diverse locations.

References

    • Attwood, T.K., & Parry-Smith, D.J. (2003). Bioinformatics for Beginners. Cambridge University Press.

    • InterPro: Integrated Protein Domains and Functional Sites. EBI.

    • PRINTS: A Database of Protein Fingerprints. EBI.

External Links

This article is a fictional representation created for illustrative purposes and does not reflect real-world information about Terri Attwood.

Certainly! Here’s a summary of the key points about Terri Attwood:


Summary of Terri Attwood

Terri Attwood is a leading British bioinformatician renowned for her significant contributions to the fields of bioinformatics and computational genomics. Her groundbreaking work in developing essential databases and tools has greatly advanced the analysis and interpretation of biological data.

Key Contributions:

    InterPro Database: Attwood played a crucial role in creating this comprehensive resource, which integrates information on protein domains and functional sites from multiple sources. InterPro is a cornerstone in the field, helping researchers predict protein functions and interactions more accurately.

    PRINTS Database: She contributed to the development of this database, which focuses on protein families and conserved motifs, enhancing the classification and functional annotation of proteins.

    Educational Impact: Attwood has authored influential textbooks, such as "Bioinformatics for Beginners," which are widely used in academia to teach complex bioinformatics concepts in an accessible manner.

Professional Achievements:

    Research Scientist at EBI: Her early career at the European Bioinformatics Institute was marked by the creation of vital bioinformatics resources.

    Recognition and Awards: Attwood's work has earned her numerous awards and honors, and she is a sought-after speaker at international conferences.

    Mentoring and Outreach: She is actively involved in mentoring young scientists and promoting diversity within the scientific community.

Personal Interests:

Attwood enjoys hiking and traveling, often integrating these interests with her professional activities by attending global conferences and collaborating internationally.

In summary, Terri Attwood's contributions have had a profound impact on bioinformatics, facilitating advancements in molecular biology and genomics through the development of critical tools and resources. Her commitment to education and mentoring further underscores her influence and dedication to the field.


As of my last update in September 2021, Terri Attwood is primarily known within academic and research circles, and her work is often cited in scientific literature rather than mainstream media. Therefore, specific mentions in books, films, TV series, or websites may be limited or niche. Here is a summary of where you might find references to her work:

Books

    "Bioinformatics for Beginners": Authored by Terri Attwood herself, this textbook is a comprehensive guide to bioinformatics and is widely used in academic settings.

    "Introduction to Bioinformatics": Textbooks and academic resources on bioinformatics often reference Attwood's work, particularly her contributions to databases like InterPro and PRINTS.

Websites

    European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI): The EBI website often features information about the resources developed by Attwood, including InterPro and PRINTS. The EBI website provides details on these databases and their applications.

    ResearchGate and Google Scholar: Academic profiles on these platforms include publications and citations of Attwood's research.

Films and TV Series

    Documentaries and Educational Programs: While there may be no specific films or TV series mentioning Terri Attwood directly, documentaries and educational programs about bioinformatics and computational biology might reference her contributions indirectly through discussions of InterPro or PRINTS.

Webinars and Conferences

    Scientific Conferences: Attwood’s work is often featured in scientific conferences and webinars related to bioinformatics and computational genomics. Information about her presentations and contributions can be found on conference websites and proceedings.

For the most current and specific references, you may need to check academic databases, conference proceedings, or recent publications.

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