A new initiative that aims to train over 400 scientists each year in advanced genetic research and data analysis is now on.
Leading the team from Elizade University, Associate Professor, Dr. Taiwo Crossby Omotoriogun says the team is a broad effort to boost scientific expertise across the continent.
Already, it has led to the creation of new fellowships and partnerships, including the African Genome Center and the African Biodiversity Fellowship.
Bioderversity genomics and bioinformatics is the use of the detail make-up of the DNA of different species through cutting-edge technology to understand and keep track of the variety of life on our planet, thus helping scientists see how different species are related and how they might respond to changes in their environment in order to make predictions and draw conclusions about biological research.
The African BioGenome Project (AfricaBP) has been at the forefront of this initiative, organizing a series of workshops throughout 2023 under the banner of the Open Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics. The workshops which took place in 11 African countries, covered 5 African geographical regions, from Morocco to South Africa.
There were over 3,700 registered participants where 408 scientists received hands-on training in molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics.
The focus was on various aspects of genetics, including how to read and interpret genetic data, understand the role of genetics in biodiversity, and address social, ethical and legal issues related to genetic research. Importantly, over 40% of the attendees were women, reflecting a commitment to diversity in this field.
Prof. Anne Muigai, Chair of AfricaBP, while highlighting the success of the workshops, noted that they will help build a strong foundation for future genetic research in Africa.
In addition to training sessions, the workshops aimed to make genetics more accessible by offering courses in both English and French, with plans to include local languages in the future. They also introduced the African Digital Sequence Information Databank, a new resource for tracking genetic information related to biodiversity and agriculture.
Dr. ThankGod Echezona Ebenezer, one of the program’s founders, emphasized that the workshops demonstrate the power of public-private partnerships in advancing scientific research. The goal is to expand these efforts, with future workshops planned to tackle specific genetic challenges faced in Africa.
As AfricaBP continues its work, the initiative represents a significant step forward in strengthening Africa’s position in global scientific research and addressing critical issues such as biodiversity and food security. The program’s success underscores the importance of sustained investment and collaboration in building a vibrant scientific community across the continent.
The Open Institute is yet another example of the exemplary future AfricaBP is laying for biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics in Africa through scientific collaborations and partnerships, providing a platform for innovations and policy change across the continent.
Sgd.
Williams Olufunmi
Head, public Relations
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