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David Osumi-Sutherland
Ontology Editor at EMBL-EBI
Professional Background
David Osumi-Sutherland is a distinguished biologist and science communicator whose career has been defined by a passion for ontologies and a commitment to advancing biological research through innovative informatics tools. With a profound understanding of both biology and computer science, David has established himself as an expert in ontology development and biocuration, utilizing the OWL2 ontology language to create accessible resources that serve the scientific community.
From 2007 to 2013, David held a pivotal role at FlyBase, a core informatics resource for the Drosophila genetics community. During his tenure, he was instrumental in developing ontologies that facilitated improved information retrieval and understanding within the field. One of his significant contributions was co-founding the Virtual Fly Brain (VFB) project in 2009 alongside esteemed colleagues Douglas Armstrong and Michael Ashburner. VFB has become an essential tool for neurobiologists studying Drosophila, providing a platform for exploring neural circuitry, phenotypes, gene expression, and reagent searches. David's expertise in designing and developing the query system for VFB, as well as the OWL-based data structures that underpin it, has greatly enhanced its functionality and user experience.
Since 2013, David has been a vital member of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory's European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI). In his current role as an Ontology Developer, he has contributed significantly to various high-profile projects, including the Gene Ontology and PhenoImageShare. His work in these projects underscores his commitment to bridging the gap between biological research and information technology, ensuring that data is organized and accessible for researchers across the globe.
In October 2014, David's contributions to the Virtual Fly Brain project were reinvigorated thanks to a grant from the Wellcome Trust, allowing him to continue his pivotal work in supporting Drosophila neurobiology research.
Education and Achievements
David's academic background is as impressive as his professional experience. He earned a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry from The University of Sheffield, where he laid the foundation for his understanding of biological processes. Building on this, he pursued a PhD in Developmental Biology at the University of Warwick. His education culminated in an MSc in Science Communication from Imperial College London, where he honed his skills in effectively conveying complex scientific ideas to diverse audiences.
Throughout his career, David has been recognized for his contributions to science and education. His work as a biocurator and ontology developer has not only advanced the field of Drosophila genetics but has also set a standard for how biological data can be organized and accessed through innovative technologies. His role in co-founding VFB, alongside his evolving contributions to the EMBL-EBI, showcases his dedication to science communication and collaboration across disciplines.
Achievements
- Co-founded the Virtual Fly Brain (VFB), transforming the way researchers access and use data on Drosophila neurobiology.
- Developed and implemented the query system for VFB, improving the search and access of critical biological data in the field.
- Instrumental in the development of key ontologies at FlyBase, enhancing the organization and retrieval of genetic information.
- Contributed to pivotal bioinformatics projects such as the Gene Ontology and PhenoImageShare at EMBL-EBI.
- Received funding from the Wellcome Trust to further support and enhance the Virtual Fly Brain initiative, highlighting the project's importance within the scientific community.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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