VSN International

Data and statistical analysis solutions for the biosciences VSNi’s vision is to see the challenges of global food production eradicated through the effective application of data, analytics and technology. To address this, VSNi has developed a range of analytical software packages which are used by thousands of researchers, scientists and analysts in universities, research establishments and commercial organisations across the globe, supporting some of the most technically demanding research and data science activities conducted in the biosciences. Those involved in plant and animal breeding programs who demand the highest quality decision making tools are utilising VSNi software to quickly deliver highly accurate and beneficial analyses from large, complex, often messy datasets. Since 2000 VSNi has been at the forefront of analytics for the biosciences with analytical software solutions, including: Genstat: a general statistics solution with menus for all the standard and many advanced techniques, as well as a programming environment for developing new techniques. Its original development at Rothamsted has made it particularly suited for applications in the bio and life sciences. It is widely used by large commercial breeders for phenotyping and marker identification to map the genes that influence traits for decision support within breeding programs. ASReml & ASReml-R: both statistical packages fit an array of linear mixed models with unparalleled efficiency either as stand-alone software or in the R environment using restricted maximum likelihood combined with sparse matrix methodology. This is particularly beneficial where very large, complex, or messy data sets are involved, as occurs in agricultural, livestock and aquaculture breeding programs. CycDesigN: supports the generation of optimal or near-optimal experimental designs to deliver robust and accurate analyses, particularly valuable for you large numbers of treatments, as in variety trials.