Freelancing science

There are many definitions of bioinformatics. They range from “handling biological data with a computer” to a very extensive and precise descriptions, including even subdivisions. In general they agree on one thing: bioinformatics is used for virtually unlimited number of tasks. Whether it’s a sequence analysis, handling microarray data, juggling chemical reaction parameters – as long as it’s around living things, it’s considered a bio(chem)informatics.

I don’t see a need to invent yet another name for it. But freelancing science keeps coming to my mind all the time. Switching the system your are working on during a coffee break or doing something in your own way instead of following “the protocol” has its “freelancing” feeling, doesn’t it?