# informatics

> study of computational systems, especially those for data storage and retrieval

**Wikidata**: [Q4027615](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4027615)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Informatics)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/informatics

## Summary
Informatics is the study of computational systems, with a special focus on those used for data storage and retrieval. As a field of science, it is concerned with the analysis, collection, classification, manipulation, and dissemination of information. It is considered a subclass of both information science and data science.

## Key Facts
- **Inception Date:** The field of informatics was established in 1957.
- **Creator:** The term and concept were introduced by Karl Steinbuch.
- **First Appearance:** Informatics first appeared in Steinbuch's 1957 work, "Computer: automatische Informationsverarbeitung".
- **Primary Focus:** The field is the study of computer systems.
- **Classification:** It is a subclass of information science and data science, and part of the broader field of science.
- **Related Fields:** Informatics is considered distinct from computer science, information science, and information technology.
- **Practitioners:** A professional in the field is known as an informaticist.
- **Academic Status:** Informatics is recognized as an academic major.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the difference between informatics and computer science?
A: While related, the provided source material identifies them as distinct fields. Informatics specifically focuses on computational systems as they apply to data storage, retrieval, and management, whereas computer science is often broader.

### Q: Who created the field of informatics?
A: Karl Steinbuch is credited as the creator of informatics. He introduced the term in his 1957 publication, "Computer: automatische Informationsverarbeitung."

### Q: What are some examples of informatics sub-fields?
A: Informatics is an interdisciplinary science with many specialized sub-fields, including biomedical informatics, geoinformatics, cheminformatics, crisis informatics, and engineering informatics.

## Why It Matters
Informatics provides the scientific foundation for managing and interpreting the vast amounts of data that drive modern society. Its significance lies in its interdisciplinary nature, applying the principles of computation and information management to solve problems in diverse domains. By creating systems for efficient data storage, retrieval, and analysis, informatics enables breakthroughs in fields ranging from medicine (biomedical informatics) and geography (geoinformatics) to disaster response (crisis informatics).

The field is crucial because it bridges the gap between raw data and actionable knowledge. It develops the methods and systems necessary to turn complex datasets into structured, accessible information. As data continues to grow in volume and complexity, the role of informatics in extracting valuable insights, supporting decision-making, and enabling scientific discovery becomes increasingly vital. It is the science that underpins how we organize, understand, and utilize digital information across nearly every industry and academic discipline.

## Notable For
- **Interdisciplinary Application:** Informatics is distinguished by its wide range of sub-disciplines that apply information science to specific domains, such as biomedicine, geography, chemistry, engineering, and disaster response.
- **Specific Origin:** The field has a clearly documented origin, having been introduced by Karl Steinbuch in his 1957 work, "Computer: automatische Informationsverarbeitung."
- **Distinct Focus:** It is formally differentiated from related fields like computer science and information technology by its specific emphasis on computational systems for data storage and retrieval.
- **Formal Classification:** Informatics holds a defined place in academia as a subclass of both information science and data science, and is offered as an academic major.

## Body
### ### Definition and Scope
Informatics is an academic discipline defined as the study of computational systems, particularly those designed for data storage and retrieval. It is a field of science primarily concerned with the analysis, collection, classification, manipulation, storage, retrieval, and dissemination of information. A professional who practices in this field is called an informaticist.

### ### Origins
The field of informatics was formally established in 1957. The term was coined by its creator, Karl Steinbuch, in his publication titled "Computer: automatische Informationsverarbeitung." This marks the earliest written record of the discipline.

### ### Classification and Related Disciplines
Informatics is classified as a part of science and is considered a subclass of both information science and data science. It is also recognized as an academic major. The field is explicitly noted as being different from:
- Computer science
- Information science
- Information technology

### ### Sub-disciplines
Informatics is a broad field that encompasses numerous specialized, interdisciplinary sub-fields. These apply informatics principles to specific domains. Examples include:
- **Behavior Informatics:** A research method.
- **Biomedical Informatics:** The science of information as applied to biomedicine.
- **Cheminformatics:** An interdisciplinary science involving chemistry and information.
- **Crisis Informatics:** The study of information and technology use in disaster management.
- **Engineering Informatics:** Combines information technology with engineering concepts.
- **Geoinformatics:** The application of information science to geography, cartography, and geosciences.
- **Human-based Computation:** A computer science technique.
- **Information Management:** An academic discipline.
- **Nanoinformatics:** The informatics of nanomaterials.
- **Space Science Informatics:** Pertains to outer space information data.
- **Spatial Informatics:** An academic discipline.

## Schema Markup
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  "dateCreated": "1957"
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## References

1. YSO-Wikidata mapping project
2. UMLS 2023
3. KBpedia
4. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)
5. Wikibase TDKIV