131 Bioinformatics Evolution: Torsten Seemann on Snippy, Open-Source Support, and Global Genomics

In this episode of the Micro Binfie Podcast, host Andrew Page catches up with Torsten Seemann at the 10th Microbial Bioinformatics Hackathon in Bethesda, Maryland. They discuss the rapid evolution of bioinformatics, the challenges faced by labs worldwide, and the explosion of tools post-COVID. Torsten shares insights into his work at Melbourne’s Microbiological Diagnostic Unit (MDU), the development of platforms like OzTracker for bacterial genomics, and how his lab plays a national and international role in data sharing. The conversation dives into the future of the widely-used variant calling tool Snippy, as Torsten reveals exciting updates funded by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, including nanopore read support and the ability to process pre-assembled genomes. They also explore the importance of maintaining open-source bioinformatics tools to prevent them from becoming obsolete. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on the state of genomics, software development, and the challenges and rewards of open-source collaboration.