IBF was created in September 2003 to serve as a national and international communication source to scientists, researchers, students and other private individuals or entities that care about the value of sharing important biological information around the globe. IBF’s mission is to coordinate dialogue with key partners in the bioinformatics network, and also increase appreciation for the way in which biological information and resources can help address societal problems.

The International Bioinformatics Foundation (IBF)’s mission is to highlight the importance of and advance support for information relevant to the life sciences. This is accomplished by fostering accessibility, understanding and the importance of biological data and information to researchers, educators, students, policymakers, decision makers, and the public. IBF is also enhancing communication and collaboration among the network of national and international organizations that are leaders in the bioinformatics community.

Specifically, IBF activities are focused on initiatives that:

• Develop and expand diverse key partnerships within the international bioinformatics community to exchange information and enhance the work performed by entities in the network,
• Promote bioinformatics research and applications development, and
• Develop and implement outreach/education activities to generate increased support for the international bioinformatics community.