From: [log in to unmask] Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001 10:28:00 +0100 Subject: tdr> Bioinformatics Training Course International Training Course on Bioinformatics (Computational Biology) Applied to Genomic Studies Oswaldo Cruz Foundation - FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil May 21-June 15, 2001 A workshop Sponsored by UNDP/World Bank/WHO - Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, TDR and The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation - FIOCRUZ, Brazil Call for Applications The International Training Course on Bioinformatics (Computational Biology) Applied to Genomics is an initiative designed as part of the activities of WHO/TDR in collaboration with NIAID sponsored Malaria Research and Reference Reagent Resource Center, other sponsoring Agencies and The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation- FIOCRUZ, Brazil. The aim of this initiative is to promote capability of endemic countries scientists to apply cutting edge DNA technology to tropical diseases research. The objective is to introduce the participants to basic information on the application of genome information and the potential for development of tools that can be applied in tropical diseases research. The international four-week training course will focus on bioinformatics (computational biology) concepts and proposal writing with specific emphasis on the tropical diseases in TDR portfolio (Malaria, Tuberculosis, Dengue, Leishmaniasis, Chagas' disease, African sleeping sickness, leprosy, filariasis, onchocerciasis, and schistosomiasis). The objective of the course is to establish a "train-the-trainer" programme in a multidisciplinary and international networking framework for bioinformatics/computational biology, applied to pathogen genome research and development of new products. A group of 20 scientists will participate in theoretical and practical courses on basic and medium level bioinformatics applicable to pathogen genome research and prepare for teaching similar courses in their home country, at the same time promoting South-South and North-South interactions in computational biology/bioinformatics and tropical diseases research. Appropriate training material will be prepared to assist in these courses, in the form of powerpoint and www presentations, as well as a manual. Selected candidates are expected to write a bioinformatics and applied genomics related grant proposal during the training course and participate in competetion for fellowship awards to foster a career in bioinformatics to be organized by WHO/TDR. http://www.dbbm.fiocruz.br/class/ Workshop Language: Instructions will be in ENGLISH. The format of this FOUR WEEK training course will be three hours of lectures in the morning and 5-6 hours of practical/hands-on training on both NT and Unix workstations in the afternoon each day. In addition, 1-2 evenings and 2 Saturdays are also planned. The four-week "train-the-trainer" training course will provide fundamentals of various Bioinformatics tools and concepts, how to use these tools and proposal preparation. Related topics to be dealt with during the training course include: * Fundamentals in computing and networking * Fundamentals in statistics * Concepts in database development * Identification of genes, functional motifs, and assigning functions to the protein sequences * Analysis of sequences of nucleic acids and proteins at both gene and genomic level * Analysis of gene expression data from Micro-arrays, Proteomics, Metabolic pathways * Prediction of secondary structures, Visualization of 3-D structures of Nucleic acids and proteins * How to develop a bioinformatics training workshop and center * Case studies applying Bioinformatics tools to gain insight in drug resistance, drug and vaccine design * Scientific grant writing and grant proposal preparation Faculty will include scientists from FIOCRUZ, Brazil; American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), USA; National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), USA; University of Pennsylvania, USA; Naval Medical Research Center (DOD/NMRC), USA; The Institute of Genomic Research (TIGR), USA; Sanger Centre, UK; and other academic or research organizations. Workshop Venue: The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation - FIOCRUZ located in Rio, Brazil is linked to the Brazilian Ministry of Health and responsible for developing activities in science and technology in health, including programmes in basic and applied research, teaching, maintains a reference hospital and ambulatory assistance, strategies formulation in public health and information dissemination, personnel training, production of vaccines, drugs, diagnostic kits and reagents, quality control and development of tec hnologies for health. Twenty scientists (7 from Latin America, 5 from Africa, 5 from Asia, 3 from non-tropical countries) will be selected, based on the following criteria: 1. Ph.D or post-doctoral level trainee/investigator with either: a. good biochemistry/molecular biology background in tropical diseases and basic knowledge in (bio) informatics (e.g. use of internet, basic notions of Unix/Linux), or b. with good informatics background and basic knowledge in biochemistry/ molecular biology in tropical diseases. 2. Full time availability for the duration of the FOUR-WEEK training course. 3. Have permanent access at home institution to personal computers and a teaching facility, e-mail and reliable access to the internet (www), be actively engaged in biochemistry, molecular biology, computational biology/bioinformatics or closely related research in tropical diseases. 4. Must be fluent in English 5. Submit the following documents by e-mail ONLY to [log in to unmask] and identify the country of origin: a. A biographical sketch including educational training, relevant research experience, list of publications (relevant to research experience) in a TDR targeted disease; b. A letter describing 1) how the information learned in the workshop will enhance your research projects and training; 2.) how you and your institution can collaborate in an international network for bioinformatics in genome analysis and include the range of activities currently supported at your institution; 3) a statement describing your relationship with other supported or ongoing research projects that will be enhanced by your participation in the training course [2 page limit]; c. A recommendation letter from a senior investigator. d. Complete application form Applicants will be informed of their acceptance by March 05, 2001 by e-mail. Workshop fee: There is NO registration fee The UNDP/World Bank/WHO - Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, TDR is the international training course sponsor. Support for international facilitators is being provided by other agencies as cosponsor of the programme. Local hospitality will be provided by FIOCRUZ. All selected candidates from endemic regions will be supported. A limited number of travel fellowships for candidates from non-endemic regions will be available. NOTE: ALL CORRESPONDENCE WILL ONLY BE BY E-MAIL. Applicants are required to send their application, statement, and recommendation through e-mail to: [log in to unmask] ***Important dates to Remember*** February 15, 2001: Application deadline March 05, 2001: Acceptance notification May 21 - June 15, 2001: International Training Course on Bioinformatics (Computational Biology) Applied to Genomic Studies -- Sharing news with the t.d.r. community, mailto:[log in to unmask] To unsubscribe, or subscribe, write to: [log in to unmask] Ref: "Networking for t.d.r." http://www.who.int/tdr/kh/res_link.html ------------------------------------------------------------------- This message has been posted from Mail2Web http://www.mail2web.com/ Web Hosting for $9.95 per month! Visit: http://www.yourhosting.com/ -------------------------------------------------------------------