Know-how of holding a Bioinformatics competition: Structure, model, overview, and perspectives

The article presents a framework for a Bioinformatics competition that focuses on 4 key aspects: structure, model, overview, and perspectives. Structure represents the organizational framework employed to coordinate the main tasks involved in the competition. Model showcases the competition design, which encompasses 3 phases. Overview presents our case study, the League of Brazilian Bioinformatics (LBB) 2nd Edition. Finally, the section on perspectives provides a brief discussion of the LBB 2nd Edition, along with insights and feedback from participants. LBB is a biannual team competition launched in 2019 to promote the ongoing training of human resources in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology in Brazil. LBB aims to stimulate ongoing training in Bioinformatics by encouraging participation in competitions, promoting the organization of future Bioinformatics competitions, and fostering the integration of the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology community in the country, as well as collaboration among participants. The LBB 2nd Edition was launched in 2021 and featured 251 competitors forming 91 teams. Knowledge competitions promote learning, collaboration, and innovation, which are crucial for advancing scientific knowledge and solving real-world problems. In summary, this article serves as a valuable resource for individuals and organizations interested in developing knowledge competitions, offering a model based on our experience with LBB to benefit all levels of Bioinformatics trainees. There are various methods of learning, and one such approach involves a commonly used in the computing field, fostering competition, where communication, teamwork, group learning, and problem-solving play crucial roles. Similarly, in bioinformatics and computational biology, certain institutions or platforms promote learning through challenges. However, national-level competitions in these domains are relatively scarce. Here, we would like to present a framework for a Bioinformatics competition by showing structure, model, overview, and perspectives, using the League of Brazilian Bioinformatics (LBB) 2nd Edition as case study. LBB is the first bioinformatics competition in Latin America and aims to encompass the diverse multidisciplinary aspects of Bioinformatics and promote networking. In LBB, individuals not only have the opportunity to learn but also get to know one another. Further, to stimulate undergraduate training, we promoted teams with a mixture of different academic backgrounds. This approach promotes integration among participants and facilitates the exchange of information. To ensure that all participants have the opportunity to connect and form teams regardless of their background, we have created the MATCH, a script that allows individuals to be randomly paired with others, enabling them to get to know each other and create teams effectively.This approach fosters collaboration and creates a conducive environment for learning and problem-solving.