TDR Training Course and Workshop 2007

Training Course and Workshop on Annotation and Bioinformatics Analysis of Glossina (Tsetse Fly) cDNAs

Sponsored by UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special

Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases

and

The South African Medical Research Council.

To be held at

South African National Bioinformatics Institute (SANBI)

University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa

12 – 17 November 2007

Introduction:

The Regional Training Course and Workshop on Annotation and Bioinformatics Analysis of Glossina (Tsetse Fly) cDNAs is an initiative designed as part of the activities of WHO/TDR in collaboration with the South African National Bioinformatics Institute (SANBI). The aim of this initiative is to promote capability of scientists from endemic countries to annotate and exploit genome resources that are rapidly being developed for Glossina, the vector of Human African Trypanosomiasis. The objective is to introduce the participants to the basics of sequence analysis and annotation and the application of this information to research questions relating to the molecular biology/functional genomics and population genetics of the tsetse fly and ultimately to vector control. The regional course will focus on bioinformatics (computational biology) concepts and annotation of cDNA sequences and will be followed by a mini annotation workshop where applicants can put their knowledge into practice immediately and develop research questions relevant to functional genomics of the Tsetse fly. The workshop will result in the annotation of cDNAs submitted from members of the International Glossina Genome Initiative and is aimed at development of a research publication by participants. Small, well focused projects may be proposed during the workshop for consideration for funding through the IGGI consortium

About the training course and workshop:

The intensive training course and workshop will run over 6 days, with lectures as well as hands-on computer sessions, followed by a mini annotation workshop. Emphasis will be placed on the analysis, application and translation of molecular resources being developed in the run-up to the full sequencing of the tsetse fly genome. Students will be trained to use existing Bioinformatics tools to analyze public and in-house data. The course will consist of lectures and theoretical sessions during the mornings followed by practical sessions in the afternoons, and the annotation workshop will provide students with the opportunity to work alongside experts in the field on annotation of cDNAs and development of a research project. Computers will be made available to students throughout the course. Selected participants will receive training materials and CDs containing freeware and datasets used during the course. Trainees will receive continued assistance and support from SANBI and future access to available resources.

Objectives of the course and workshop:

The objectives of this training course and workshop are complimentary to those of the International Glossina Genome Initiative:

to train individuals in the use of computational tools to analyze Glossina ESTs, utilise new genome data, perform population genetics techniques and to develop applications to tsetse control that exploit genomic resources
to build a sustainable research network focused on the application of bioinformatics and functional genomics approaches tsetse fly control strategies

Eligibility:

PhD students, postdoctoral fellows and young faculty members at the beginning of their careers who are interested in bioinformatics or wish to learn to apply bioinformatics on pathogen vectors, tsetse fly research or appropriate trypanosome research, who can demonstrate clear ability to subsequently 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 ten candidates will be selected from scientists in African endemic countries, with the following selection criteria:

Demonstrated biochemistry and molecular biology background
Demonstrated computer skills, local availability of compute resources and use of basic bioinformatics tools
Fluency in English
Current involvement in tsetse fly research, vector research or trypanosome research. If not working currently in tsetse, there should be evidence of proposed involvement
Demonstrated ability to apply the training skills for research in home institution and confirmation of instiutional support
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 accomodation may be available. International travel support for non-endemic country attendees is unfortnately, not available.

Course Contents:

Provisional course outline and topics include:

Introduction to algorithms
Sequence analysis and annotation tools
Tsetse molecular biology and immunology
Population genetics: techniques and applications
Funding development through WHO for Tsetse Translational Research

Application Procedure: (Deadline: 12 midnight, 11 October 2007)

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 21 October 2007

Successful applicants must confirm attendance by 25 October 2007

Venue of the training course:

South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, 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