“Broadband” Bioinformatics Skills Transfer with the Knowledge Transfer Programme (KTP): Educational Model for Upliftment and Sustainable Development

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004512
• Publication Date: 2015-11-19T18:26:34Z
• Authors: Emile R. Chimusa; Mamana Mbiyavanga; Velaphi Masilela; Judit Kumuthini
• Keywords: Knowledge Transfer

A shortage of practical skills and relevant expertise is possibly the primary obstacle to social upliftment sustainable development in Africa. The “omics” fields, especially genomics, are increasingly dependent on effective interpretation large complex sets data. Despite abundant natural resources population sizes comparable with many first-world countries from which talent could be drawn, Africa still lag far behind rest world terms specialized development. Moreover, there serious concerns about disparities between within continent. multidisciplinary nature bioinformatics field, coupled rare depleting expertise, a critical problem for advancement We propose formalized matchmaking system, aimed at reversing this trend, by introducing Knowledge Transfer Programme (KTP). Instead individual researchers travelling other labs learn, desirable invited join African research groups six weeks months. Visiting or trainers will pass their multiple people simultaneously local environments, thus increasing efficiency knowledge transference. In return, visiting have opportunity develop professional contacts, gain industry work experience, novel datasets, strengthen support ongoing research. KTP develops network centralized hub through individuals put into contact one another exchanges facilitated connecting both parties potential funding sources. This part PLOS Computational Biology Education collection.