We invite applications for the 4th iteration of the successful training course in data analysis for genomic surveillance of African malaria vectors to be held in 2025. The course will delivered jointly by the Malaria Genomic Epidemiology Network (MalariaGEN) and the Pan-African Mosquito Control Association (PAMCA).

Apply now

Course objectives

The goal of this course is to introduce some practical techniques for the analysis of genomic data for surveillance of Anopheles mosquitoes. At the end of the course, trainees will be able to:

1. Perform a range of analyses on Anopheles genomic data that are relevant to malaria vector surveillance
2. Describe key biological concepts underpinning the analyses
3. Describe key computing technologies used for the analyses
4. Interpret analysis results and discuss implications for malaria vector control policy

Course Curriculum

The training course comprises 8 workshops, covering the following topics:

1. Workshop 1 – Pyrethroid target-site resistance – 2 April 2025
2. Workshop 2 – Metabolic insecticide resistance and copy number variation – 9 April 2025
3. Workshop 3 – Population structure – 23 April 2025
4. Workshop 4 – Cryptic species – 30 April 2025
5. Workshop 5 – Genetic diversity – 14 May 2025
6. Workshop 6 – Detecting genes under recent positive selection – 21 May 2025
7. Workshop 7 – Gene flow and the spread of insecticide resistance – 4 June 2025
8. Workshop 8 – Analysis planning and reporting – 11 June 2025

Trainee profile and requirements

This course is aimed at African scientists and data analysts working in the field of malaria vector surveillance and control who meet the following requirements:

1. This is a hands-on training course. Trainees will require some prior experience in data analysis using scientific programming such as Python, R, Julia, or Stata. The course will be conducted using the Python programming language.
2. Data analysis will be performed using cloud computing services which can be accessed via a web browser. Trainees will require access to a personal computer with a Web browser and a stable internet connection.
3. The training workshops will be designed to complement each other, building up a series of analytical skills and progressively introducing biological concepts and computing tools throughout the course. Trainees should ideally be in a position to complete the full course of 8 workshops.

Workshop format

Each training workshop will last approximately 6 hours, and will be delivered online via Zoom and Slack. The training will combine lectures and hands-on data analysis practical sessions in roughly equal proportion. Practical sessions will use cloud computing services and analyse real genome variation data on Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. Practical sessions will be conducted in small groups with teaching assistants to provide support and answer questions.

For any further information and questions, please contact Paballo Chauke (MalariaGEN Training Coordinator).

The Malaria Vector Genome Observatory is a collaborative effort to sequence the genomes of thousands of Anopheles mosquitoes and use those data to improve malaria control. Learn more here.