Stellenbosch University (SU) has achieved a significant milestone in bioinformatics, securing a R28 million ($1.5 million) grant from the Fogarty International Center of the US National Institutes of Health. This funding is set to enhance bioinformatics training across Africa, focusing particularly on infectious diseases such as tuberculosis (TB).

The grant will support the African Tuberculosis Bioinformatics Training Programme, a collaborative initiative led by Professors Marlo Möller and Samantha Sampson from SU's Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics. The five-year programme aims to equip African students with advanced bioinformatics skills necessary to combat TB and other infectious diseases.

"TB remains a major public health issue on the African continent. This training programme will address the shortage of trained bioinformaticians specialized in TB and other infectious diseases," said Professor Möller, emphasizing the critical need for such training in Africa. The programme will provide a comprehensive education in TB biology, bioinformatics, and research methodologies.

The initiative involves collaboration between SU's Faculties of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) and Science, with partnerships extending to various African institutions and the United States. Among the international partners contributing to the programme is Dr. Paul Edlefsen from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.

Professor Gerard Tromp of the FMHS, a key partner in the programme, highlighted the importance of bioinformatics in modern biological research. "Bioinformatics is essential for contemporary biological investigations, converting large volumes of data into actionable information by integrating biology, computer science, and statistics. This multidisciplinary nature has created a significant shortage of bioinformaticians and a pressing need for education and training," he explained.

The programme will be crucial in meeting the demand for bioinformatics expertise in southern Africa, particularly for TB research. According to Tromp, the African TB Bioinformatics Training Programme will play a vital role in addressing these needs.

Professor Hugh Patterson, Director of SU's Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, provided insights into the training's scope and impact. "The planned programme will equip students with the skills to utilize powerful computational methods, including artificial intelligence, to extract insights from complex biological and health data sets, a feat not possible with conventional approaches," said Patterson.

Professor Samantha Sampson, co-lead on the project and a molecular biology expert at FMHS, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative. "The programme will provide trainees with essential bioinformatics and research skills, positioning them as future innovators and leaders in infectious diseases research. This integrated approach is poised to make a significant impact on the bioinformatics landscape in Southern Africa," she remarked.

Stellenbosch University's success in securing this grant underscores its commitment to advancing bioinformatics education and research on the African continent. The programme aims not only to fill the current skills gap but also to foster a new generation of bioinformatics experts equipped to tackle some of Africa's most pressing health challenges.

 

Article by Jed Mwangi

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