Hands-on Training on Next-Generation Sequencing and Bioinformatics

30 November – 11 December 2026, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

In collaboration with:

Deadline for receipt of applications:
3 November 2026
CALL FOR APPLICATION NOW OPEN

1. Create your profile on the GetAway portal (if you do not already have one).
2. Log in to your account.
3. Select the “Request to Attend – Meetings and Courses” tab.
4. You will be redirected to a new page where you can select the event “Hands-on Training on Next-Generation Sequencing and Bioinformatics”
5. Proceed with the application.

This two-week intensive training course is organized by the Bio and Emerging Technology Institute (BETin), Ethiopia, in collaboration with the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) under the BIOTECHNET-II Collaborative Strategic Project (CSP), “Regional Genomic Capacity Building for Whole Genome Sequencing of Priority Human and Animal Pathogens in the Horn of Africa.” The course will bring together 10 scientists and laboratory professionals from Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Djibouti to strengthen regional capacity in next-generation sequencing (NGS), pathogen genomics, and bioinformatics.

The training will provide an integrated, predominantly hands-on programme covering the complete genomic workflow, from nucleic acid preparation and quality control through library preparation, Illumina sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis. Participants will receive practical training in DNA/RNA quality assessment, library preparation, indexing and pooling, sequencing run setup and monitoring, raw-read quality control, trimming and filtering, reference mapping, de novo genome assembly, variant analysis, genomic characterization, phylogenetic analysis, data visualization, and interpretation. Foundational computational skills in Linux and introductory Python/R relevant to genomic data analysis will also be included.

The course will emphasize the application of genomics to priority human and animal pathogens within a One Health framework. Participants will also be introduced to genomic data management, metadata standards, secure data storage and backup, FAIR data principles, and preparation of pathogen genomic data for submission to appropriate public repositories. Approximately 70–80% of the course will consist of practical laboratory and computer-based exercises, complemented by focused lectures, demonstrations, troubleshooting sessions, assessments, and an integrated capstone exercise. The training is expected to strengthen a regional network of scientists capable of applying NGS and bioinformatics approaches to pathogen surveillance, outbreak investigation, genomic epidemiology, and research. Participants will be encouraged to transfer the acquired knowledge and skills to their home institutions, thereby contributing to the long-term sustainability of genomic surveillance capacity in the Horn of Africa.

Participants

The training targets 10 scientists and laboratory professionals from Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Djibouti working in molecular biology, microbiology, virology, biotechnology, public/veterinary health, genomics, bioinformatics, or related fields, with priority given to those involved in pathogen diagnostics, sequencing, or genomic surveillance.

Applicants should be scientists, researchers, laboratory professionals, or early-career professionals from Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Djibouti with a background in molecular biology, microbiology, virology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, public health, veterinary science, or related fields. Basic experience in nucleic-acid extraction and/or PCR-based diagnostics is required; prior NGS experience is desirable but not mandatory. Applicants should demonstrate commitment to applying and transferring the acquired skills within their institutions.

The training will strengthen participants’ practical skills in next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics, covering sample preparation, Illumina sequencing, quality control, genome assembly, variant analysis, phylogenetics, and data interpretation. Participants will be equipped to apply and transfer these skills within their institutions, strengthening regional genomic surveillance, outbreak preparedness, and One Health research capacity.

Funding

The training is funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) within the Biotechnet II initiative – Collaborative Strategic Project (CSP).

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