Ghana Visit - March 2024

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Ghana Visit - Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) experimental approaches, data analysis and structural bioinformatics workshop at WACCBIP, Ghana.

By Manu Shukla

Researchers from the School of Biological Sciences organised a workshop focusing on NGS experimental approaches and design, data analysis and structural bioinformatics at the University of Ghana, Accra. The West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) played wonderful hosts to the event held from 4th-8th March. Atlanta Cook, Shaun Webb, Manu Shukla and Robin Allshire led wide-ranging interactive sessions on epigenetics, NGS experimental approaches, various tools for sequencing data analysis and current state of the art methods for structural analysis. The Workshop offered a unique opportunity for researchers and practitioners across the region to delve into the latest advancements in genomic and structural analyses with the aim to bridge the gap in expertise and empower participants with practical skills and essential knowledge. Fifteen participants were selected from a group of over four hundred students and researchers, underscoring the motivation and demand for such events.

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Over a very rewarding week, the University of Edinburgh delegation interacted with highly motivated participants who kept the instructors on their toes with a multitude of questions. Thanks to their incredibly welcoming hosts, the touring party also had the opportunity to see the sites of Accra, sample various local delicacies and indulge in fresh mangoes and coconuts. The event, funded by the Royal Society International Collaboration Awards, fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas and experiences amongst participants and paves the way for future collaborative research.

During our visit, there were celebrations for International Women’s Day on 8th March.