Dr. Jonathan Göke stands as a distinguished computational biologist whose pioneering work has significantly advanced the field of RNA sequencing analysis. He currently serves as Senior Group Leader and Assistant Director for AI & Compute at the Genome Institute of Singapore, part of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research. Additionally, he holds an appointment as Adjunct Associate Professor at the Department of Statistics and Data Science at the National University of Singapore. Dr. Göke earned his PhD in Computer Science and Mathematics from the prestigious Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics and Freie Universität Berlin in Germany, establishing a strong foundation for his subsequent research career. His academic journey includes notable fellowships, having been selected as a GIS Fellow from 2014 to 2016 and most recently as an A*STAR Fellow for 2024-2027.
Dr. Göke's groundbreaking contributions center on developing sophisticated computational methods for third-generation long-read RNA sequencing data, enabling unprecedented resolution in profiling RNA transcription and modifications. His laboratory created innovative tools such as xPore for mapping RNA modifications and Bambu for analyzing complex gene activity in genetic landscapes, which have been widely adopted by researchers worldwide. These computational approaches have fundamentally transformed how scientists study RNA biology, moving beyond simple sequence analysis to investigate the critical role of chemical modifications that impact nearly all aspects of RNA function. His work provides essential methodologies for understanding RNA's role in human diseases and has contributed to advances in areas including mRNA-based vaccine development. With a substantial scholarly impact reflected in over 9,800 citations according to Google Scholar, his research continues to shape the evolving field of computational transcriptomics.
Beyond his technical contributions, Dr. Göke has established himself as a collaborative leader who bridges computational and biological sciences through productive partnerships with experimental teams and clinicians. His laboratory actively applies computational transcriptomics to study cancer and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, demonstrating the translational potential of his methodological innovations. Dr. Göke's influence extends to mentoring the next generation of researchers and fostering interdisciplinary approaches to complex genomic questions. His recent recognition with the 2024 Young Scientist Award by the Singapore National Academy of Science underscores the significance of his work. Looking forward, Dr. Göke continues to pioneer new computational frameworks that promise to further illuminate the complex world of RNA biology and its implications for human health.
