The Phage Genome Analysis and Comparative Genomics Workshop hosted by the Phage Hunters Training and Research Program conducted for 10 days in February 2025 at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) and the Kenya Institute of Primate Research (KIPRE) in Nairobi has successfully concluded today.
After months of research and planning, this hands-on workshop was designed to empower researchers with key skills in lab techniques, phage genome sequencing, annotation, and comparative genomics, essential tools for advancing phage research and bioinformatics. The workshop was conducted in collaboration with Phage Hunters Training and Research Program(PHTRP), Jenomu Bioinformatics, and The Technical University of Kenya, Kenya Institute of Research, Kenya Education Network Trust (KENET), CLIMB Big Data, and The Phage.
The program had different modules spanning the 10 days, wherein participants had an exposure to learning laboratory techniques in phage isolation and genomic analysis by utilizing various bioinformatic tools. These kinds of initiatives are expected to bring more awareness and preparedness amongst the researchers and pave a path to budding biologists in phage research. The enthusiasm of the hosts, the organisers, and the participants is well appreciated. As the awareness rises about phages, many more such initiatives are expected to be implemented from the scientific community to make phage research applicable.
