Advanced Bioinformatics Training Workshop 2017 - Call for applications

Details

Written on Thursday, 13 July 2017 13:33

Background: 

The Biosciences eastern and central Africa-International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub is a shared agricultural research and biosciences platform that seeks to strengthen the capacity of the African scientific community in driving research and innovation for development. Through strategic partnerships with National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) and through its Africa Biosciences Challenge Fund (ABCF) program, the BecA-ILRI Hub is accelerating progress towards impact in priority research conducted at a national level.

The Advanced Bioinformatics Training Workshop: 

As part of the ABCF program, BecA-ILRI Hub will hold a 10-day hands-on training workshop on Advanced Bioinformatics, from 4-13 October 2017. The workshop will provide a learning forum for researchers in advanced bioinformatic analysis of various genomic data sets. Designed to 'train the trainers', this workshop aims at expanding the continental network of NARS researchers with strengthened capacity for application of bioinformatics.

Applications are invited from individuals in African NARS who require advanced skills in bioinformatics to support their research. A total of 20 research scientists will be selected based on evidence of productive research and the relevance of advanced bioinformatics skills to their current research.

Key topics to be covered in the training include;

• Introduction to Bioinformatics, biological databases and genomics resources. 
• Introduction to Genomics and next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies.
• Introduction to Linux 
• Introduction to statistics and 'R'
• RNA sequencing and DNA sequencing analysis 
• Microbial community analysis 
• Genome assembly and annotation 

The workshop will be conducted by a team of facilitators drawn from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU); University of California, Davis and Ohio State University (USA); Earlham Institute and Fathom Labs (UK); and the BecA-ILRI Hub.

Applicant eligibility and requirements:

• The training workshop targets research scientists currently engaged in research within NARS, particularly those working with RNASeq, DNASeq, 16s Amplicon sequencing and whole genome data.
• The BecA-ILRI Hub places greater focus on nationals of the BecA countries: Burundi, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda. However, suitable applicants from other African countries will be considered.
• Applicants must have basic familiarity with the Linux/Unix (or Mac) command line, as well as familiarity with basic biological concepts.
• Applicants must be proficient in both written and spoken English.

Women researchers are particularly encouraged to apply.

There are few fully-funded slots on highly competitive basis. Applicants able to secure their own sponsorship to meet full or part of the course costs are highly encouraged to apply. The full course cost is approximately USD 1500 (exclusive of travel costs).

Application timelines and process:

• Call release: 12 July 2017
• Application deadline: Complete online application form must be submitted by 20 August 2017 (APPLY HERE) 
• Late and incomplete applications will not be considered
• Communication to all applicants: by 27 August 2017

Training approach:

The workshop will comprise series of lectures, extensive hands-on practical sessions, group discussions and experience sharing by, and with participants. Pre and post workshop evaluations will be conducted by the trainers. Participants will also have the opportunity to visit the BecA-ILRI Hub’s state-of-the-art facilities during the workshop. 

About the BecA-ILRI Hub:

The BecA-ILRI Hub is a shared agricultural research and biosciences platform co-created by ILRI and the African Union’s New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). It increases access to world-class laboratories for African and international scientists conducting research on African agricultural challenges. The BecA-ILRI Hub’s mission is to mobilize advances in bioscience for Africa’s development, by providing a centre for excellence in agricultural biosciences. This enables research, capacity building and product incubation, conducted in Africa and for Africa, and empowers African institutions to harness innovations for regional impact. 

Online application form: APPLY HERE

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