Scientific Software Center New Bio-Structure Hub Supports Research in Computational Structural Biology
31 July 2025
Innovative service improves access to advanced methods and enhances understanding of biological molecular structures
To improve access to cutting-edge methods in computational structural biology, the Scientific Software Center (SSC) at Heidelberg University has launched an innovative new initiative. The Bio-Structure Hub supports the AI-based prediction of the three-dimensional structures of biomolecules. This service, enabled by the Klaus Tschira Foundation, makes a valuable contribution to research that aims to deepen our understanding of fundamental life processes.
Proteins, DNA, and RNA molecules form complex, folded, three-dimensional structures, and their shape provides essential insights into their function. Accurately predicting these structures is therefore highly relevant across a range of scientific disciplines – from basic research to drug development and biotechnology. Thanks to rapid advances in machine learning, powerful tools are available for this today. At the same time, the complexity of these methods and the high demands on both software and hardware present new challenges for researchers.
The Bio-Structure Hub offers comprehensive support to meet these needs, including individual consultations, targeted project support, custom software solutions, and hands-on training. The service is available to researchers at Heidelberg University and external research institutions, and promotes the sustainable development of expertise in computational structural biology.
The Bio-Structure Hub was initiated by biophysicist Prof. Dr Rebecca Wade. She conducts research at the Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR) and the Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University, as well as the Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies. The Hub’s concept was developed in collaboration with the team at the Scientific Software Center, based at the IWR. The SSC specializes in developing sustainable research software to support excellent and reproducible science. The new Bio-Structure Hub is maintained by Dr Christine Schulz, a research software engineer at the SSC.
It was established with support from the Klaus Tschira Foundation, which is enabling the Hub for an initial period of three years as part of its “Scientific Software” funding program.
Researchers interested in the new service can contact Dr Schulz via the following website: