Over four days, more than 20 fellows from nine countries gained advanced skills in data analytics, including epidemiological modeling, phylogenetics, metagenomics, data visualization, AI, and bash scripting.
CERI recently hosted a Data Science & Bioinformatics for Genomic Epidemiology Workshop, reaffirming the institutions commitment to capacity building in Africa. held at STIAS. The participants gained advanced skills in data analytics, including epidemiological modeling, phylogenetics, metagenomics, data visualization, AI, and bash scripting.
Supported by The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and The Rockefeller Foundation, the workshop brought together expert trainers from Genome Detective, SACEMA, Nextstrain, the University of Sydney, and CERI. These leaders in the field guided participants through intensive, hands-on training aimed at empowering the next generation of researchers. The participants joined over 500 fellows who have been trained at Stellenbosch University in the past two years.
Dr. Houriiyah Teagally, Head of Data Science at CERI, Stellenbosch University, highlighted the importance of this initiative: 'Workshops like this allow us to bridge critical knowledge gaps in data science and bioinformatics, fostering collaboration and driving impactful genomic research across the continent.
The commitment shown by both the trainers and the fellows underscores the necessity of such capacity-building efforts.'
Reflecting on the training, Dr. Bamlak Kassahun from Addis Ababa University & Animal Health Institute shared, 'During my tenure at Stellenbosch University, I gained profound insights into bioinformatics and data science, both indispensable for infectious disease modeling. Investing in bioinformatics is crucial for advancing research into tropical diseases and improving public health outcomes.'
Another participant, Betselot Zerihun Ayano, a bioinformatics analyst from Ethiopia, said, 'The workshop equipped me with invaluable tools to enhance genomic research at my institute. It was a rewarding experience to engage with experts and peers dedicated to advancing genomic epidemiology.'
As CERI continues its dedication to building research capacity, the success of this workshop highlights the power of collaboration and training in addressing global health challenges. More workshops are on the horizon, ensuring that Stellenbosch University remains a leader in genomic epidemiology.
Click on the image above to read the gem, genomics, epidemics & microbes or scan the qrcode.
News date: 2024-10-31
Links:
https://issuu.com/the.gem/docs/3rdedition_the_gem_newsletter_a4_v2?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ
KRISP has been created by the coordinated effort of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and the South African Medical Research Countil (SAMRC).
Location: K-RITH Tower Building
Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, UKZN
719 Umbilo Road, Durban, South Africa.
Director: Prof. Tulio de Oliveira