TDR Course 2008

Training Course on Bioinformatics Tools for Comparative Genomics of Vectors:

towards an understanding of Glossina biology

Sponsored by UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special

Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases

and

The South African Medical Research Council.

Organized by

South African National Bioinformatics Institute (SANBI)

University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa

4 - 8 August 2008

Introduction:

The Regional Training Course on Bioinformatics Tools for Comparative Genomics of Vectors: towards an understanding of Glossina biology is an initiative designed as part of the activities of WHO/TDR in collaboration with the South African National Bioinformatics Institute (SANBI) at the University of Western Cape, South Africa. The aim of this initiative is to promote capability of scientists from endemic countries to exploit genome resources that are rapidly being developed for Glossina, the vector of Human African Trypanosomiasis. The regional course will focus on bioinformatics (computational biology) concepts and their application to comparative genomics of vectors to answer research questions about the biology of the Tsetse fly.

About the training course:

The intensive training course will run over 5 days, and will introduce the participants to the basics of sequence analysis and comparison and the application of this information to research questions relating to the molecular biology/functional genomics of the tsetse fly and ultimately to vector control. The course will include both lectures as well as hands-on computer sessions.

Course Contents:

Provisional course outline and topics include:

Brief introduction to Linux
Biological databases and VectorBase
Sequence analysis (including ESTs)
Phylogenetics
Comparative genomics (gene synteny, genome browsers)
Vector Biology

Objectives of the course:

Train African scientists from endemic countries in the use of Bioinformatics tools for for comparative genomics of vectors
Promote the understanding of Glossina biology to support vector control efforts
Use this knowledge to stimulate the development of new vector control initiatives
Lead to an increase in the size and impact of the Glossina research community
Promote training and capacity building in disease endemic countries

Eligibility:

PhD students, postdoctoral fellows and young faculty members at the beginning of their careers who are active in tsetse fly or other vector and pathogen research, who can demonstrate clear ability to exploit bioinformatics and post-genomics tools for their future research, are highly encouraged to apply for this course.

Criteria for Selection:

For scientists in African endemic countries: Up to fifteen candidates will be selected from scientists in African endemic countries, with the following selection criteria:

Good biochemistry and molecular biology background
Demonstrated computer skills, availability of computer resources and use of basic bioinformatics tools
Fluency in English
Involvement in vector/pathogen research or evidence of proposed involvement
Demonstrated ability to apply the training skills for research in home institution
Availability for the entire duration of the course
Students providing a high quality, detailed, proposal of how an existing project could be made more effective as a result of bioinformatics skills in use of genomic resources will be given preference

Scientists from non-endemic countries are welcome to apply: under the same criteria as above, but only support for local costs such as meals and accommodation may be available. International travel support for non-endemic country attendees is unfortunately, not available.

Application Procedure: (Deadline: 12 midnight, 25th June 2008)

Application Form:

An application form is available for download here

Letters of Recommendation:

Applicants should provide letters of recommendation from:

Head of Department
An institutional representative to demonstrate that the host institution supports the objectives of the training

Instructions:

FIRST: Obtain signed letters of recommendation from the Departmental Head and the Institutional representative, scanned or in PDF or Word format
Download application form from here
Fill out the application form and submit via e-mail to patricia@sanbi.ac.za. Ensure that you have attached to your mail:

Letters of recommendation

The application form

Incomplete applications will not be considered

Successful applicants will be notified by email on 7th July 2008

Successful applicants must confirm attendance by 11th July 2008

Venue of the training course:

National Bioinformatics Network Training Laboratory, Mowbray, Cape Town, South Africa.

Fee:

There is no registration fee for the course. Successful applicants will be provided training materials, economy round-trip airfare, accommodation and food during the entire period of the training course.

Course language: English

Further Information:

Patricia Josias

SANBI

Cape Town, South Africa

Tel.: +27 21 959-2998, Fax: +27 21 959-2512

e-mail: patricia@sanbi.ac.za