Course Overview: Metagenomics uses advanced DNA sequencing technologies to generate data on the collection of genomes and genes from the assemblage of microorganisms present in a defined environment. The microbiome is the entire habitat, including the microorganisms, their genomes and the surrounding environmental conditions. Advances in microbiome research relies on analytics of data including modeling and simulation; statistical analysis and visual analytics. The objectives of the workshop are (i) provide training on bioinformatics tools for analytics of the human microbiome data; and (ii) to promote new collaborations in Africa that will translate microbiome data to products for preventing disease, promoting health and curing illness. The 5 Day workshop will start with a Symposium of Presentations by invited experts followed four days of Lecture and Practical Sessions. 

Theme of the workshop: Utilizing Microbiome for Translational Products in Africa

Workshop outcomes: The outcome will be to lay the foundation to build the capacity of African scientists working in African institutions to conduct research on the influence of microbial communities in health and disease in Africa 

Workshop relevance: The workshop will help increase the awareness of microbiome and metagenomics research and foster collaboration to effectively utilize the untapped data and knowledge related to microbiome in Africa. 

Target audience of the workshop: Staff and Postgraduate Students of H3Africa Projects; Microbiome Researchers from Universities and Research Institutions in Africa.

Format of the workshop (1-Day Symposium; 4-Day Lecture and Practical Sessions):
Presentations on:
•    Microbial Reference Genomes: Data, Databases, Tools and Protocols, Statistics; Access to Strains
•    Microbiome Analysis: Data, Analyses, Tools and Protocols, Clinical Sampling
•    Impacts on Health: Projects to demonstrate hypothesized correlations between the microbiome and human health and disease.
•    Technology Development: Development of new tools & technologies, informatics capabilities and resources needed for the advancement of the field of metagenomics

Applications:
To apply to attend the workshop, please complete the application form found here: http://surveys.h3abionet.org/metagenomics2014
The deadline for applications for the H3ABioNet Metagenomics Data Analytics Workshop is the 15th June, 2014.

Please ensure that all required information is completed on the application and that a motivation letter from your PI is attached with your application.

Successful candidates will be notified of their acceptance to the H3ABioNet NABDA Metagenomics Data Analytics Workshop by the 20th of June, 2014.

Training Materials Availability:

Training materials for this course are not currently available.