The collaborative African genomics network training program: a trainee perspective on training the next generation of African scientists
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Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Genetics in Medicine
Abstract
The Collaborative African Genomics Network (CAf-
GEN) aims to establish sustainable genomics research programs in
Botswana and Uganda through long-term training of PhD students
from these countries at Baylor College of Medicine. Here, we present
an overview of the CAfGEN PhD training program alongside
trainees’
perspectives on their involvement.
Background: Historically, collaborations between high-income
countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs),
or North–South collaborations, have been criticized for the lack of
a mutually beneficial distribution of resources and research findings,
often undermining LMICs. CAfGEN plans to address this
imbalance in the genomics field through a program of technology
and expertise transfer to the participating LMICs.
Methods: An overview of the training program is presented. Trainees
from the CAfGEN project summarized their experiences, looking
specifically at the training model, benefits of the program, challenges
encountered relating to the cultural transition, and program
outcomes after the first 2 years.
Conclusion: Collaborative training programs like CAfGEN will
not only help establish sustainable long-term research initiatives
in LMICs but also foster stronger North–South and South–South
networks. The CAfGEN model offers a framework for the development
of training programs aimed at genomics education for those for
whom genomics is not their “first language.”
Description
Keywords
African scientists, Bioinformatics, Genomics research, North–South gap, Training model
Citation
Mlotshwa, B. C., Mwesigwa, S., Mboowa, G., Williams, L., Retshabile, G., Kekitiinwa, A., ... & Mpoloka, S. W. (2017). The collaborative African genomics network training program: a trainee perspective on training the next generation of African scientists. Genetics in Medicine, 19(7), 826-833. doi:10.1038/gim.2016.177