Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026
23:56
Comprehensive & Cost Effective Laboratory Monitoring of HIV/AIDS: an African Role Model
Published on: November 1, 2010
The collaborative African genomics network training program: a trainee perspective on training the next generation of
Busisiwe C Mlotshwa1, Savannah Mwesigwa2, Gerald Mboowa2
1Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
Summary
The Collaborative African Genomics Network (CAfGEN) builds sustainable genomics research in Africa by training PhD students. This program fosters equitable North-South and South-South collaborations, empowering genomics education in low- and middle-income countries.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- International Health
- Biotechnology Education
Background:
- Critiques of North-South collaborations highlight unequal resource distribution.
- The Collaborative African Genomics Network (CAfGEN) aims to rectify this imbalance in genomics research.
- CAfGEN focuses on technology and expertise transfer to participating low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish sustainable genomics research programs in Botswana and Uganda.
- To provide long-term PhD training for students from these countries at Baylor College of Medicine.
- To present an overview of the CAfGEN PhD training program and gather trainee perspectives.
Main Methods:
- Overview of the CAfGEN training program structure.
- Trainees shared experiences focusing on the training model.
- Analysis of program benefits, cultural transition challenges, and 2-year outcomes.
Main Results:
- The CAfGEN model facilitates genomics education for non-specialists.
- Trainees reported on program benefits and challenges.
- Initial outcomes after two years of the program were documented.
Conclusions:
- CAfGEN promotes sustainable research initiatives in LMICs.
- The program strengthens North-South and South-South research networks.
- CAfGEN provides a framework for genomics training in diverse settings.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
00:59Gene Therapy
Gene therapy is a technique where a gene is inserted into a person’s cells to prevent or treat a serious disease. The added gene may be a healthy version of the gene that is mutated in the patient, or it could be a different gene that inactivates or compensates for the patient’s disease-causing gene. For example, in patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) due to a mutation in the gene for the enzyme adenosine deaminase, a functioning version of the gene can be inserted. The...
01:59Plant Breeding and Biotechnology
Crop cultivation has a long history in human civilization, with records showing the cultivation of cereal plants beginning at around 8000 BC. This early plant breeding was developed primarily to provide a steady supply of food.
02:02Genomics
Genomics is the science of genomes: it is the study of all the genetic material of an organism. In humans, the genome consists of information carried in 23 pairs of chromosomes in the nucleus, as well as mitochondrial DNA. In genomics, both coding and non-coding DNA is sequenced and analyzed. Genomics allows a better understanding of all living things, their evolution, and their diversity. It has a myriad of uses: for example, to build phylogenetic trees, to improve productivity and...
03:00Next-generation Sequencing
The first human genome sequencing project cost $2.7 billion and was declared complete in 2003, after 15 years of international cooperation and collaboration between several research teams and funding agencies. Today, with the advent of next-generation sequencing technologies, the cost and time of sequencing a human genome have dropped over 100 fold.
Next-Generation Sequencing Methods
Although all next-generation methods use different technologies, they all share a set of standard features.
Next-Generation Sequencing Methods
Although all next-generation methods use different technologies, they all share a set of standard features.
02:46Genetic Screens
Genetic screens are tools used to identify genes and mutations responsible for phenotypes of interest. Genetic screens help identify individuals or a group of people at risk of developing genetic diseases and help them with early intervention, targeted therapy, and reproductive options.
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which result in visible changes...
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which result in visible changes...
00:59Gene Therapy
Gene therapy is a technique where a gene is inserted into a person’s cells to prevent or treat a serious disease. The added gene may be a healthy version of the gene that is mutated in the patient, or it could be a different gene that inactivates or compensates for the patient’s disease-causing gene. For example, in patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) due to a mutation in the gene for the enzyme adenosine deaminase, a functioning version of the gene can be inserted. The...