A new laboratory at l'Université de Moncton will help speed up the research of scientists across the country, officials say.

The bioinformatics lab, which applies computer technology to the management of biological information, will allow scientists to crunch complex data in a matter of seconds instead of weeks, said Dan Tulpan, who will be helping other scientists get their data processed.

The tool can be used in several research fields, including health, energy and the environment.

'I think that we don't yet understand fully the capabilities of this tool that is being inaugurated.'—dean of science Charles Bourque

Scientists in the region are eager to start using the lab, a joint initiative of the Moncton university, the University of New Brunswick, the National Research Council and the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute, said Tulpan.

He has already received requests from the cancer institute to process some of their experiments, which involve cross-referencing millions of bits of information, he said.

"Let's say for cancers, different types of cancers, and we can do that in seconds or minutes instead of weeks. Just a quick example."

Bioinformatics analyzes biological information using information technology, computer science, mathematics, molecular biology and medicine.

Although the lab is located at the Moncton university, other universities and research institutions across the country will be able to access it, said dean of science Charles Bourque.

"We are now able to borrow equipment virtually, without having to go from one laboratory to another," he said. "I think that we don't yet understand fully the capabilities of this tool that is being inaugurated."

The lab is also expected to attract skilled researchers to New Brunswick and offer new research opportunities to students in science, engineering and computer science, officials said.