In the rapidly evolving field of bioinformatics, workshops play a crucial role in fostering knowledge sharing, collaboration, and capacity development among African students and researchers in advanced bioinformatics. EpiCass and CassavaNet4Dev projects are at the forefront of empowering African researchers with advanced Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) data analysis skills. The projects have demonstrated commitment to this cause by organizing a comprehensive four-day workshop in 2023 held simultaneously across three African countries—Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria. The workshop encompassed a three-day NGS data analysis and a mini-symposium on plant epigenetics published in the EpiCass and CassavaNet4Dev Advanced Bioinformatics Workshop by Gisel et al., 2023.
The recent “Second Advanced Bioinformatics Workshop” was organized in all three countries, with 314 applications and diverse participants from various educational backgrounds. The workshop aimed to equip attendees with essential bioinformatics data analysis skills, including Linux command-line usage, NGS data quality control, mapping, sequence assembly, and more. The workshop included a one-day mini-symposium on haplotype-resolved genomes. The mini-symposium was conducted in a hybrid setting, with nearly 100 participants joining the meeting virtually.
Despite logistical challenges such as time zone differences and power disruptions, the workshop successfully leveraged virtual learning platforms and engaged workshop resource personnel to ensure a valuable learning experience. Valuable feedback from participants highlighted the need for extended workshop durations, group discussions, and preparatory assignments for future workshops.
The EpiCass and CassavaNet4Dev projects aim to train researchers in the workshops, enhance future collaborations, and grow a vibrant network of African bioinformatics researchers. The projects continue to empower African researchers, thanks to the support of the Swedish Research Council.
Plans for 2024 include organizing a bioinformatics hackathon centered on cassava epigenetics. This event will engage bioinformatics researchers who were previously involved in the workshop and plant breeders from the region, providing them with insights into EpiCass’s research endeavors to unravel the epigenetic variations influenced by viral resistance and yield in cassava.
These advanced bioinformatics workshops and hackathons represent a significant step toward advancing genomics research on the African continent, driven by collaboration and knowledge-sharing among researchers in the field.
Contributed by Michael Landi
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