4th Regional Training Course on Bioinformatics Applied to Tropical Diseases in Southeast Asia

4th Regional Training Course on Bioinformatics Applied to Tropical Diseases in Southeast Asia

Sponsored by UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/ WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR)

To be held at

Center for Bioinformatics and Applied Genomics (CBAG), Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
October 3 - 14, 2005

Course Website:
http://www.ssi-tdr.net/cbag/Inter_Training/2005/2005.html

Rationale

The Regional Training Course on Bioinformatics Applied to Tropical Diseases in Southeast Asia is an initiative of WHO/TDR in collaboration
with Mahidol University. The aims of the initiative are to strengthen research capability of scientists in endemic countries and to promote
application of bioinformatics in tropical disease research.

Course objectives and goals

The objective of the course is to train young investigators, encourage application of bioinformatics to pathogen genome research and
development of new products against tropical diseases. Efforts will also be made to promote multidisciplinary and international networking in order to facilitate South-South collaborations in tropical disease research, with the emphasis of diseases of TDR portfolio (Malaria, Tuberculosis, Dengue, Leishmaniasis, Chagas' disease, African sleeping sickness, leprosy, filariasis, onchocerciasis, and schistosomiasis).

The 4th Regional Training Course on Bioinformatics Applied to Tropical Diseases (in Southeast Asia) will be held at the Center for
Bioinformatics and Applied Genomics (CBAG), Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand from October 3-14, 2005. This will be a 2-week training course to introduce participants to basic bioinformatics and its applications.

Eligibility

Only a limited number of participants (15) will be selected. Preference will be for scientists in disease-endemic countries in SOUTHEAST ASIA). The applicants will need to have strong background in molecular biology, with strong evidence to apply the knowledge and expertise gained from the course for research and also to training others in effort to increase capacity in bioinformatics upon return to home institution.

Course Content

- Fundamentals of computers: hardware, operation systems and networks
- Software installation, file formats and file conversion
- Overview of pathogens and vector genomes
- Databases and bioinformatics resources in web
- Genome sequencing and sequencing technologies
- Sequence retrievals and sequence analysis tools
- Gene prediction and identification
- Databases and Information Management
- Algorithms and tools for sequence analysis
- Pair-wise and multiple sequence alignments
- Gene prediction and genome annotation
- EMBOSS
- Molecular evolution, phylogenetic prediction and comparative genomics
- Functional genomics, gene expression analysis
- Primer design in Molecular Biology research
- Grant writing

Criteria for Selection

Fifteen candidates will be selected from scientists in disease endemic countries (Southeast Asia), with the following selection criteria:

- Good biochemistry and molecular biology background
- Expertise in using internet and computer
- Fluent in English
- Involvement in research projects in the tropical diseases in TDR portfolio
- Provision of using bioinformatics for research in home institution
- Available for the entire duration of the course

Application Procedure

- Complete the application form and submit via web-based procedure. It is important for the applicant to provide estimated economic round-trip airfare in the application form.

- Request of two reference letters from supervisors and/or senior colleagues. The two reference letters MUST indicate why strong supports are given to the applicant and comment on how the institute and the applicant would benefit from attending the training course.

- The reference letters MUST BE sent electronically to [email protected] by August 12, 2005.

Venue

Center for Bioinformatics and Applied Genomics (CBAG), Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama VI Rd., Bangkok 10400, Thailand

Fee

There is no registration fee for the course. Selected applicants will be provided training materials, economic round-trip airfare (direct route), accommodation and food during the entire period of the training course.

Course language: English

Further Information

Professor Worachart Sirawaraporn
Department of Biochemistry and Center for Bioinformatics and Applied
Genomics (CBAG),
Faculty of Science,
Mahidol University
Rama VI Rd.
Bangkok 10400
Thailand

Tel.: 66-2-201-5605
Fax: 66-2-248-0375
Email: mailto:[email protected]

Important Dates:

Announcement of Course: July 1, 2005
Application deadline: August 12, 2005
Notification of Participants: August 19, 2005
Deadline for Acceptance by Participants: August 24, 2005
Course Dates: October 3-14, 2005