Call for Application

TRAINING COURSE ON BIOINFORMATICS APPLIED TO EMERGING DISEASE

7th - 18th April 2008, Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jakarta, Indonesia

Recent advances in genomics and proteomics have contributed greatly to the better understanding of molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis, host immunity and drug resistance. The availability of genome sequences of a number of organisms including human has provided unprecedented opportunities to identify new drug targets, develop new vaccines and new diagnostics to combat the diseases. As more and more genome sequences of disease pathogens are completed and available, the ability to use the information already generated from genome sequencing efforts is important as this seems to be an appropriate approach for scientists in developing countries.

This training course on bioinformatics applied to emerging diseases is organized for the Southeast Asian Influenza Clinical Research Network (SEA ICRN), by the Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jakarta, Indonesia and Center for Bioinformatics and Applied Genomic (CBAG) at Mahidol University, Thailand. The aim of the course is to boost the capability of the scientists within the network to utilize and apply bioinformatics as well as current cutting-edge-technologies for their research on emerging and infectious diseases.

This is an intensive training course which runs over a full 12-day period from April 7th-18th, 2008 at Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jakarta, Indonesia. The lecture sessions are scheduled in the morning (09:00-12:00) whereas the hands-on computer sessions are allocated in the afternoon (13:00-18:00). The lectures will be given by international faculties invited from institutions in the region. Evening sessions will be made available for follow-up, questions and self-study exercises. Computers will be made available for each participant during the course. The selected participants will receive training materials and documentation on main topics covered by the course.

Provisional course outline and topics include:

• Overview of emerging and re-emerging diseases
• Databases and internet resources for bioinformatics analysis
• Sequence formats and sequence analysis
• Gene prediction and genome annotation
• Algorithms and tools for sequence analysis
• Pairwise and multiple sequence alignments
• Molecular evolution, phylogenetic analysis and comparative genomics
• Microarrays and gene expression analysis
• Functional genomics and gene discovery
• Proteomics and its applications

To train young scientists within network member institutions the use of bioinformatics to study genomes of pathogens, particularly those which are causative agents for emerging and infectious diseases.

Only a limited number of participants (20) will be selected. Applicants should be affiliated with institutions that are members of the SEA ICRN (http://www.seaclinicalresearch.org). Postgraduate students, postdoctoral fellows and young faculty members at the beginning of their careers who are active in infectious and emerging diseases research, who can demonstrate clear ability to exploit bioinformatics and post-genomics tools for their future research, are highly encouraged to apply for this course.

Update (19/2/2008): Due to an increase in interests from non SEA-ICRN member institutions, we are now opening the application to those people working in infectious diseases from institutions within South East Asia region.

• Good biochemistry and molecular biology background
• Demonstrated computer skills, availability of computer resources and use of basic bioinformatics tools
• Fluent in English
• Involvement in infectious and emerging diseases research or evidence of proposed involvement
• Demonstrated ability to apply the training skills for research in home institution
• Availability for the entire duration of the course
• Applicant must provide a short statement indicating why he/she will need to attend the course. Priority will be given to applicants working on emerging and infectious diseases and whose research project(s) will have clear benefit from the training.

The candidate must complete the web-based application form and also provide two supporting or reference letters by February 18th, 2008. Only accepted candidates will be contacted by the course coordinators by March 3rd, 2008. The course website at http://www.eijkman.go.id/bitc2008/ contains the application form and all the relevant information regarding the course.

Update: The deadline for the application form has been extended to February 25th, 2008.

Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology Diponegoro 69, Jakarta 10430 Indonesia

There is no registration fee for the course. Training materials will be provided during the session. SEA ICRN will provide support for economy round-trip airfare, accommodation and meals during the duration of the training course.

Course language: English

Dr. Ari Winasti Satyagraha
Course Director
Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology
Jl Diponegoro 69, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
Email: ari@eijkman.go.id
Tel: +62 21 391-7131[BR]] Fax: +62 21 314-7982

Hidayat Trimarsanto
Assisting Coordinator
Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology
Jl Diponegoro 69, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
Email: anto@eijkman.go.id
Tel: +62 21 391-7131
Fax: +62 21 314-7982

Prof. Dr. Sangkot Marzuki
Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Indonesia

Prof. Dr. Worachart Sirawaraporn
Center for Bioinformatics and Applied Genomics, Mahidol University, Thailand