Dr. Erich Gombocz’ has 35+ years of experience in Life Science research, robotic control, laboratory automation, and data management in scientific and distributed systems environments, plus over 35 years programming experience in instrument control, user interface, database design, scientific analysis, and on-line laboratory automation as well as being a substantial developer of innovative software algorithms and architecture.
His years as Section Head at the Department for Biochemical Analysis at the Federal Institute of Food Analysis & Research, Vienna, Austria, were pivotal for the early development of computational analysis and automation procedures in complex distributed environments. In 1978, the Institute pioneered the first nationwide Laboratory Information Management System for the Ministry of Health and Environmental Protection, connecting federal institutes and laboratories within an integrated data network. During the Chernobyl crisis in 1986, Austria's early warning system delivered real-time information critical to international decision-making. Erich’s research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (1985, 1988) on techniques and computer models for separations, led him to build an automated real-time instrument and to found 1989 venture-backed Lab Intelligence, Inc. Its 'HPGE' system with over 20 patents achieved worldwide distribution. In 1999, he joined NucleoTech, a bio-image informatics company, as Chief Science Officer and developed two new scientific product lines, including a software suite for the Life Sciences and a real-time gene analyzer. From 2000-2003, as Chief Science Officer of Biosentients, Erich contributed substantially to design and implementation of the company's informatics technology, including its systems architecture, data structure and analytical modules. Together with Bob Stanley he founded IO Informatics in 2003. Since 2013, he focuses in the W3C HCLS on global standards for data description of linked data and on guiding the company's Science Advisory Board.
Erich has published over 60 scientific publications and holds numerous biotechnology- and software-related US and international patents. Considered an international expert in separation science and bioinformatics, he is member of several professional organizations and serves on the editorial board of a number of scientific journals.
Current role