First Nigerian Bioinformatics Conference (FNBC): Towards a dynamic bioinformatics community

Abstract

The human genome project, which was completed in 2003, ushered in a new era of scientific applications in medicine and bioscience, and also enhanced the generation of high-throughput data which required laboratory and computational analytical approaches in fields known as genomics and bioinformatics respectively. Internationally, specific advances have been achieved which involved the formation and emergence of strong scientific communities to sustain these technological advancements. On the African continent and regionally, the Human Hereditary and Health in Africa (H3Africa), Biosciences eastern and central Africa - International Livestock Research Institute (BecA - ILRI) Hub, and the Alliance for Accelerated Crop Improvements in Africa (ACACIA), are helping to push some of these advances in human health, biosciences, and agriculture respectively. In Nigeria, we believe that significant advances have also been made by various groups since the human genome project was completed. However, a scientific gathering platform to sustainably enable scientists discuss and update these progresses remained elusive. In this article, we report the First Nigerian Bioinformatics Conference (FNBC) hosted by the Nigerian Bioinformatics and Genomics Network (NBGN) in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR). The conference was held from 24th - 26th June, 2019, with the theme: “Bioinformatics in the era of genomics in Africa”. Quantitatively, the conference recorded 195 online registered participants, and up to 186 actual participants; comprising of 8 keynote speakers, 6 invited speakers, 25 oral presenters, 83 poster presenters, and up to 73 non-presenting participants. Attendees with national (up to 179) and international (up to 16) affiliations also participated at the conference. Qualitatively, broad scope of bioinformatics, genomics and molecular biology presentations in biomedicine, health, and biosciences were featured at the conference. We discuss the conference structure and activities, lessons learned, and way forward for future bioinformatics conferences in Nigeria. We further discuss the relevance of the conference which presents an increased visibility for the Nigerian bioinformatics community, positions Nigeria as a dynamic community player within the African bioinformatics space, and provides a platform for national impact through the application and implementation of the benefits of bioinformatics.

The Nigerian Bioinformatics and Genomics Network (NBGN): a collaborative platform to advance bioinformatics and genomics in Nigeria

“…The establishment of NBGN pushes the frontier on what can be achieved with a well-designed and organised network. The recently concluded First Nigerian Bioinformatics Conference (FNBC) [14] was a success and serves as a proof of concept to the rising need for a strong coalition and collaboration framework in Nigeria with a potential to extend beyond its frontiers. The rise on the membership counts for NBGN pinpoints to the human capacity available, which we hope the framework will harness.…”

“…NBGN organised two well attended pre-conference workshops with trainers from the European Bioinformatics Institute and University of Cape Town [14]. The FNBC organised by NBGN recorded 195 online registered participants, and 186 actual participants; comprising eight keynote speakers, six invited speakers, 25 oral presenters, 83 poster presenters, and up to 73 nonpresenting participants including 16 international attendees [14]. NBGN having started on a strong footing, has continue to be driven by the pioneering leadership as well as some societal representative drawn from each of the aforementioned scientific and professional societies.…”

“…The recent first Nigerian bioinformatics conference (FNBC) organised by NBGN has demonstrated how the network helped in bridging the knowledge gap, fostering research collaborations, and providing peer support within the field of bioinformatics and computational biology [14]. Bioinformatics and genomic trainings in the form of workshops, seminars, short courses, and symposia are offered by NBGN to support and provide basic bioinformatics skills to Nigerian scientists working in the field of biomedical and life sciences as well as clinical settings in our local institutions, research centres, and hospitals.…”