Dear AgBioData Community:
Please see below an event on single-cell RNA-seq analysis that may be of
interest to some of you.
Regards,
Marcela
*From: *Alex Clop <alex.clop(a)cragenomica.es>
*Date: *Monday, April 27, 2026 at 9:30 AM
*To: *faang-SingleCell(a)animalgenome.org <faang-singlecell(a)animalgenome.org>,
Giuseppe-Antonio Saldi <gas361(a)nyu.edu>
*Subject: *Seminar 18 May 2026 by G Saldi on analysis of scRNA-seq data
Dear colleagues,
Within the framework of the regular seminar series organized by the FAANG
Single Cell Task Force, we are pleased to announce an upcoming online
seminar by Dr Giuseppe A. Saldi (New York University Abu Dhabi, UAE).
Dr Saldi is a bioinformatician with extensive expertise in the analysis of
single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data and in the development of
computational methodologies and tools for single cell transcriptomics
(*https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=o7hIBDwAAAAJ&hl=fr__;!!D9dNQwwGXtA!TtXNLgMw37gAnM6lXo0OjOEgUVNTMnd-6QSm357Ny8ggn1vgEGZzMLGGZulOSlfgMPrDyEofuxImdvzfEtviiA$
<https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=o7hIBDwAAAAJ&hl=fr__;!!D9dNQwwGXt…>*
).
In this seminar, Dr Saldi will present an overview of the core analytical
steps in scRNA-seq data analysis, with emphasis on the statistical and
biological rationale underlying each step, from raw data pre-processing
through differential gene expression (DGE) testing.
The focus will be on conceptual frameworks, assumptions, and common
pitfalls associated with standard scRNA-seq workflows (e.g. quality control
metrics, dimensionality reduction, and DGE design). Given the limited
duration, the seminar will not provide an exhaustive comparison of
alternative methods or software packages (e.g. detailed benchmarking of
normalization strategies) but will instead aim to clarify why specific
analytical steps are required and how analytical choices propagate
downstream.
Date: Monday, May 18, 2026
Time: 17:00–19:40 (Central European Summer Time, CEST)
(Time conversions for other time zones are provided at the end of this
email)
Format: Online
The session is structured to encourage active discussion, with dedicated
question and discussion periods following each module.
Title: Analytical considerations in single cell RNA seq: from
pre-processing to differential gene expression analysis
Program (~2 h 40 min):
• 17:00 – Welcome and introduction (~5 min)
• 17:05 – Background and high-level workflow overview (~15 min)
*Data structure, noise sources in scRNA-seq, and positioning of key
analytical steps*
• 17:20 – Quality control considerations (~25 min)
*Cell and gene level QC metrics; mitochondrial transcript proportions;
detection of doublets/multiplets; ambient RNA contamination and background
correction*
• 17:45 – Discussion (~15 min)
• 18:00 – Break (15 min)
• 18:15 – Feature selection and dimensionality reduction (~30 min)
*Normalization and variance stabilization; log1p transformation;
identification of highly variable genes (HVGs); principal component
analysis (PCA)*
• 18:45 – Discussion (~15 min)
• 19:00 – Differential gene expression (DGE) analysis (~25 min)
*DGE strategies in single cell contexts; pseudo replication; statistical
power; appropriate experimental and model design*
• 19:25 – Discussion (~15 min)
• 19:40 – Closing remarks
Access: The seminar will be held online via Teams: *Joseph FAANG SC |
Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams
<https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/348312092317295?p=jgru5YQSAWnvSG00a2>*
Time zone conversions:
• CEST (Barcelona): 17:00–19:40
• New York (EDT): 11:00–13:40
• Los Angeles (PDT): 08:00–10:40
• Beijing (CST): 23:00–01:40 (+1 day)
• Tokyo (JST): 00:00–02:40 (+1 day)
• Sydney (AEST): 01:00–03:40 (+1 day)
Note that you may have received, in parallel, an automatic email from Teams
informing about this seminar, as a result of the schedule of this meeting
in the Teams calendar.
With kind regards,
Alex Clop¹ and Christopher K. Tuggle²
¹ Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG)
Campus UAB
08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès
Catalonia, Spain
*https://www.cragenomica.es <https://www.cragenomica.es/>*
² Iowa State University — Department of Animal Science
C. F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture and Life Sciences
806 Stange Road, 2255 Kildee Hall
Ames, IA 50011, USA
Email: *cktuggle(a)iastate.edu <cktuggle(a)iastate.edu>*
Phone: +1 515 294 4252
FAX 515-294-2401
*http://www.ans.iastate.edu/people/christopher-tuggle
<http://www.ans.iastate.edu/people/christopher-tuggle>*
--
Marcela Karey Tello-Ruiz, PhD
AgBioData Program Manager
Phoenix Bioinformatics
Dear AgBioData Community,
Tomorrow, Monday April 19, will be the kickoff of our 2026 AgBioData
Community Workshop!
This workshop is a great opportunity to connect, share ideas, and
collaborate on advancing agricultural data resources.
If you have not yet registered and want to join virtually, please respond
now:
https://tinyurl.com/agbiodata2026
The workshop program is available on our website:
https://www.agbiodata.org/2026-agbcomworks
Our Working Agenda
<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nZNyadmxqOEQcDyxiotahVOnxFkmAUswavMs5PD…>
(subject
to change) includes logistics and Zoom links for all sessions. All sessions
will use Zoom and Slack. Please join Slack in advance if you have not
already. Workshop channels are prefixed with *ag-workshop26-*, organized by
breakout session, and will include Zoom links as well as serve as hubs for
discussion and resource sharing.
Highlights include:
- AgBioData Working Groups and Funding updates 🌱 🐄 🧬 🖥️
- Interactive breakout discussions on Artificial Intelligence for Data
FAIRification & Data Biocuration, FAIR Scientific Literature, etc. 🤖 🧠
- Database Sustainability: One-pagers for scientific research
stakeholders (Researchers, Industry Partners, Legislators, Publishers) 🔬
🚜 ⚖️ 📚
- Network Sustainability: Discussions on shared infrastructure,
resources and funding for keeping AgBioData going strong! 👩🌾 💻 💪
- International priorities open discussion 🌍 🌎 🌏
These sessions are interactive, and your participation is highly encouraged.
If you have any questions or need assistance ahead of the workshop, please
don’t hesitate to reach out.
We look forward to a productive and engaging event.
Best regards,
Marcela Karey Tello-Ruiz
On behalf of the AgBioData Community Workshop Organizing Committee
--
Marcela Karey Tello-Ruiz, PhD
AgBioData Program Manager
Phoenix Bioinformatics
Hello AgBioData Friends,
Please take a minute to nominate a colleague
<https://agbiodata.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fa993e8c3bab82b2a98140…>
or
two for the following AgBioData Awards categories before next *Wednesday,
April 8*:
- Mission and Leadership
- Best Working Group Member
- FAIRification
The awards ceremony will take place on the last day of the Community
Workshop (April 22).
Also note that the deadline for Ambassador Awards
<https://agbiodata.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fa993e8c3bab82b2a98140…>
was
extended to *April 13*.
Enjoy the holidays if you celebrate!
Marcela
--
Marcela Karey Tello-Ruiz, PhD
AgBioData Program Manager
Phoenix Bioinformatics
Hello Everybody,
Let's together explore how *VEuPathDB* integrates multi-omics data,
advanced analytics, and AI-driven tools to accelerate infectious disease
research, and learn about the innovative community-supported funding model
designed to sustain this critical open resource!
On Wednesday, April 1st, 1PM ET, *Omar Harb*
<https://www.omarharb.org/>, Senior
Project Manager & Director Scientific Outreach & Education(VEuPathDB.org)
at the University of Pennsylvania, will present the talk titled: “VEuPathDB:
A Comprehensive Informatics Resource for Eukaryotic Pathogen, Vector, and
Host Biology”.
Zoom link and abstract below. We hope you will join us!
Marcela
--
Wednesday, April 1st, 1PM ET
| 1P ET | 12P CT | 11A MT | 10A PT |
Find your local time *here*
<https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=AgBioData+April+2…>
.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82038356125?pwd=YVFMRElMdEpHZmtObXFvZlA4QVFXQT09
Meeting ID: 820 3835 6125
Passcode: 160683
--
Speaker: *Omar Harb* <https://www.omarharb.org/> (Director of Scientific
Outreach & Education; Project Manager, VEuPathDB)
Title: VEuPathDB: A Comprehensive Informatics Resource for Eukaryotic
Pathogen, Vector, and Host Biology
Abstract: VEuPathDB (the Eukaryotic Pathogen, Vector, and Host Informatics
Resource) is an integrated bioinformatics platform that empowers
researchers with comprehensive data, advanced analytical tools, and
emerging artificial intelligence capabilities to accelerate discovery in
infectious disease biology. The resource consolidates high-quality genomic,
transcriptomic, proteomic, and functional data for eukaryotic pathogens,
vectors, and relevant host systems, coupled with curated metadata and
standardized ontologies. VEuPathDB’s suite of tools enables complex
in-silico analyses, including comparative genomics, gene expression
profiling, metabolic pathway exploration, and customizable data mining
workflows. Recent enhancements leverage AI-driven methods for summarizing
transcriptomic data, facilitating hypothesis generation and the
interpretation of large-scale experimental results. Through an intuitive
web-based interface and APIs, VEuPathDB supports reproducible science and
community-driven annotation efforts. To remain open access and sustain its
development, maintenance, and ongoing expansion of data and computational
capabilities, VEuPathDB employs a voluntary subscription-based funding
model. Under this approach, participating labs, institutions, and companies
contribute annual subscription fees that support core infrastructure,
curation activities, and user support services. The model balances broad
access for the scientific community with stable funding streams, enabling
strategic investments in AI integration and responsive tool enhancement.
Subscription revenues complement competitive grant funding and are
essential for long-term platform growth, ensuring that VEuPathDB continues
to meet evolving research needs in pathogen, vector, and host informatics.
--
Marcela Karey Tello-Ruiz, PhD
AgBioData Program Manager
Phoenix Bioinformatics
Hi Everybody,
We are pleased to share the schedule and *registration link* for the *AgBioData
Community Workshop*, to be held April 20–22, 2026, in Olathe, Kansas, and
*online*.
*REGISTER:* https://tinyurl.com/agbiodata2026
If you plan to attend in person (and have not already registered), it is *very
important* that you REGISTER no later than *Friday, March 6*, using the
link above.
Early next week, U.S.-based in-person participants will be contacted by a
K-State travel agent to arrange flights to MCI and lodging (two nights).
Ground transportation in Kansas City and meals will also be provided.
International colleagues are welcome to participate in person with their
own funding or join remotely. Details for virtual participation will be
shared soon.
We hope you will be able to join us.
Kind regards,
Marcela
On behalf of AgBioData's Community Workshop Committee
--
Marcela Karey Tello-Ruiz, PhD
AgBioData Program Manager
Phoenix Bioinformatics
Hi Everybody,
On Wednesday, March 4th,12 PM CT, *John McNamara*
<https://serc.carleton.edu/person/53858.html>, Professor Emeritus of Animal
Sciences at Washington State University, will present the talk titled:
“*Integrating
phenomics and phenotypes into agricultural databases.*”
Zoom link and abstract below. We hope you will join us.
Kind regards,
Marcela
--
Wednesday, March 4th, 12PM CT
| 1P ET | 12P CT | 11A MT | 10A PT |
Find your local time *here*
<https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=AgBioData+March+2…>
.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82038356125?pwd=YVFMRElMdEpHZmtObXFvZlA4QVFXQT09
Meeting ID: 820 3835 6125
Passcode: 160683
--
Speaker: *John McNamara*
<https://serc.carleton.edu/person/53858.html>, Professor
Emeritus of Animal Sciences at Washington State University
Title: Integrating phenomics and phenotypes into agricultural databases
Abstract: The United States agriculture and food systems research and
education system remains the envy of the world, and the US Department of
Agriculture and the Land-Grant University system lead the public and
private partnerships that have improved agricultural productivity and human
health phenomenally for over 160 years. The continuation of these
improvements relies on equitable access to trustworthy data, particularly
in genetics and phenomics, and the ability to leverage such data to address
future scientific challenges. In the new article set forth by the
Phenotypic Data Standardization and Management working group, we discuss
the growing need in agriculture for phenomic databases that follow
findable, accessible, interoperable, and reproducible (FAIR) data
guidelines, as well as the need for public policy supporting a sustainable
funding model for these databases.
--
Marcela Karey Tello-Ruiz, PhD
AgBioData Program Manager
Phoenix Bioinformatics
Dear Colleagues,
We have some spots available to attend the AgBioData Annual Workshop IN
PERSON. This hybrid event will be held on April 20–22, 2026, in Olathe,
Kansas. To be eligible for support, you will need to be affiliated at a
US-based institution. We will pay for airfare or equivalent, two nights
lodging, meals and ground transportation in Kansas.
Please let me know ASAP if you would be willing and able to participate in
person. There is no cost for national and international participants to
join remotely.
We hope you will be able to join us!
Marcela
On behalf of AgBioData Community Workshop Organizing Committee
--
Marcela Karey Tello-Ruiz, PhD
AgBioData Program Manager
Phoenix Bioinformatics
Hi Everybody,
This Wednesday, February 4th, 12PM CT, Pascale Gaudet, Gene Ontology
Project Manager at the Swiss Institute Bioinformatics, will present the
talk titled: “*Extending the Gene Ontology for Biological Network
Modeling*”.
Zoom link and abstract below. We hope you will join us!
Kind regards,
Marcela
-- Wednesday, February 4th, 12PM CT | 1P ET | 12P CT | 11A MT | 10A PT |
Find your local time here
https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=AgBioData+Februar…
.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82038356125?pwd=YVFMRElMdEpHZmtObXFvZlA4QVFXQT09
Meeting ID: 820 3835 6125 Passcode: 160683 --
Speaker: Pascale Gaudet, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics
Title: Extending the Gene Ontology for Biological Network Modeling
Abstract: The Gene Ontology (GO) is an essential resource in the
bioinformatics landscape, supporting a wide range of applications. It
serves both as a comprehensive encyclopedia of biological knowledge and as
a key tool for interpreting high-throughput biological data. More recently,
GO has expanded to support biological network modeling through the
development of GO Causal Activity Models (GO-CAMs), which enable network
analysis within the highly structured GO data framework. This presentation
will introduce the GO-CAM data model, describe its relationship to standard
GO annotations, and highlight ontology developments driven by GO-CAM
requirements. It will also discuss how GO is leveraging artificial
intelligence to enhance multiple aspects of the GO workflow, including
ontology development, annotation, and quality control.
--
Marcela Karey Tello-Ruiz, PhD
AgBioData Program Manager
Phoenix Bioinformatics
Hi Everybody,
On Wednesday, February 4th, 12PM CT, Pascale Gaudet, Gene Ontology Project
Manager at the Swiss Institute Bioinformatics, will present the talk
titled: “*Extending the Gene Ontology for Biological Network Modeling*”.
Zoom link and abstract below. We hope you will join us.
Kind regards,
Marcela
--
Wednesday, February 4th, 12PM CT
| 1P ET | 12P CT | 11A MT | 10A PT |
Find your local time here
<https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=AgBioData+Februar…>
.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82038356125?pwd=YVFMRElMdEpHZmtObXFvZlA4QVFXQT09
Meeting ID: 820 3835 6125
Passcode: 160683
--
Speaker: Pascale Gaudet, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics
Title: Extending the Gene Ontology for Biological Network Modeling
Abstract: The Gene Ontology (GO) is an essential resource in the
bioinformatics landscape, supporting a wide range of applications. It
serves both as a comprehensive encyclopedia of biological knowledge and as
a key tool for interpreting high-throughput biological data. More recently,
GO has expanded to support biological network modeling through the
development of GO Causal Activity Models (GO-CAMs), which enable network
analysis within the highly structured GO data framework.
This presentation will introduce the GO-CAM data model, describe its
relationship to standard GO annotations, and highlight ontology
developments driven by GO-CAM requirements. It will also discuss how GO is
leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance multiple aspects of the GO
workflow, including ontology development, annotation, and quality control.
--
Marcela Karey Tello-Ruiz, PhD
AgBioData Program Manager
Phoenix Bioinformatics
Hi Everybody,
On Wednesday, December 3rd, 12PM CT, Heidi Imker
<https://databank.illinois.edu/featured_researchers/9>, Director of the
Research Data Service at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and
Associate Professor at the University Library, will present the talk
titled: “*Sustainability During Instability: Long-Lived Life Science
Databases and Science Funding Outlook in the United States*”.
Zoom link and abstract below. We hope you will join us.
Kind regards,
Marcela
--
Wednesday, December 3rd, 12PM CT
| 1P ET | 12P CT | 11A MT | 10A PT |
Find your local time here
<https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=AgBioData+Decembe…>
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82038356125?pwd=YVFMRElMdEpHZmtObXFvZlA4QVFXQT09M…
ID: 820 3835 6125
Passcode: 160683--
Speaker: Heidi Imker, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Title: Sustainability During Instability: Long-Lived Life Science Databases
and Science Funding Outlook in the United States
Abstract: For many years, life science researchers have enjoyed free, open
access to a wide range of online databases that make data sharing and reuse
possible. But even long-established resources have always faced
sustainability challenges and recent changes in U.S. science funding are
making things even tougher. This presentation covers a study recently
posted to bioRxiv which took a multiple mini–case study approach to
document potential impacts for nine long-standing databases, including BHL,
MorphoBank, OMIM, ORDB, rrnDB, VEuPathDB, WormAtlas, and two that preferred
to remain anonymous. The results point to growing barriers to data access,
a loss of valuable expertise, and disruptions to ongoing and future
research. The presentation will conclude with a discussion of
sustainability models given the current funding climate.
--
Marcela Karey Tello-Ruiz, PhD
AgBioData Program Manager
Phoenix Bioinformatics