Using a multiple-delivery-mode training approach to develop local capacity and infrastructure for advanced...

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Bioinformatics
• Computational biology

Background:

• Increasing demand for microbiome study design and data analysis skills in Africa.
• Barriers to high-quality bioinformatics training include computational environment differences, complex software, and lack of local infrastructure/expertise.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a 16S rRNA Microbiome Intermediate Bioinformatics Training course using a remote classroom model.
• To address challenges in delivering bioinformatics education across Africa by leveraging containerized workflows.

Main Methods:

• Development of a 16S rRNA Microbiome Intermediate Bioinformatics Training course by H3ABioNet.
• Utilized Singularity containers for a standard, replicable software stack deployment across diverse hosting sites.
• Pilot course conducted across 23 sites in 11 African countries with over 200 participants and 106 staff.

Main Results:

• Successful pilot implementation in 2019 across multiple African countries.
• Containerized workflows ensured reproducible analyses and results across all participating sites.
• Participants analyzed their own data, and local staff received training, enhancing local research support capacity.

Conclusions:

• The containerized bioinformatics training model effectively overcomes infrastructure and geographical barriers in low-resource regions.
• This approach enhances local capacity for microbiome research support and facilitates reproducible data analysis.
• Provides a scalable model for delivering specialized bioinformatics training across Africa and similar regions.