Nigerian Bioinformatics and Genomics Network

With the generation of high throughput sequencing data, and the need to analyse these data, the fields of computational biology, genomics and bioinformatics have become increasingly more important. The significance of these data is becoming more useful in our societies, and for example, in finding treatments for diseases, and in translational research works. At the moment, there are low and emerging footprints of Nigerian trained Computational Biologists, Genomicists and Bioinformaticians. There is also a limited collaborative interface, and the utility of these discipline in research and development in Nigeria.

Therefore, this initiative, the Nigerian Bioinformatics and Genomics Network (NBGN) becomes necessary to facilitate collaborative activities amongst Nigerian bioinformatics and genomics investigators (or Nigerian related projects) in the fields of genomics, genetics, bioinformatics and computational biology in Nigeria, continental Africa, and abroad. NBGN would collaborate with Nigerian life science-oriented societies, research institutions, industries, and institutions of higher learnings to create awareness of genomics and bioinformatics researches by Nigerians both home and abroad.

NBGN is a not-for-profit apolitical national initiative which aims to advance and sustain the fields of genomics, computational biology and bioinformatics in Nigeria by serving as a vehicle to foster collaboration, disseminate scientific information and opportunities, provision of new opportunities for interactions between the various interdisciplinary subfields of genomics, computational biology and bioinformatics, as well as early career researchers and senior investigators.

To provide the foundation for sustainable collaborations, the network would organise conferences, workshops, create opportunities for research studies and internships, recognise excellence and openly share information. NBGN currently attracts membership around the world, and presently have membership, spanning over 10 countries: Nigeria, UK, USA, South Africa, Mali, Ghana, Malawi, Uganda, Sudan, and Morocco.

• Who we are? Our identity.
  • We are a network of Nigerian trained geneticists, genomicists, bioinformaticians and computational biologists residing in Nigeria and abroad. We welcome collaborations and partnerships within and outside Nigeria.
• Who we serve? Our audience.
  • Our audience span across several works of life and professions in Nigeria. We partner with societies, networks, research centres, government organisations, educational institutions, and industries both in Nigeria and abroad to help us achieve our aims.
• How we serve them? Our approach.
  • We aim to be dynamic in our approaches to achieve our objectives. We carry out and help facilitate workshops and conferences to create awareness, build knowledge base and introduce participants to the field of bioinformatics and genomics.
  • When we build knowledge we don’t just leave you with these knowledge; we deepen these acquired knowledge by organising bioinformatics hackathons and technical sessions.
  • We strengthen collaborations by organising bioinformatics / genomics events, getting involved in bioinformatics funded projects in Africa and around the world, deploying and advancing bioinformatics best practices, and providing networking platforms for bioinformatics investigators in Nigeria.
  • We pass on the knowledge batons to upcoming bioinformatics leaders in Nigeria by keeping up-to-date with course contents, curriculums, and best practices.
  • We source, disseminate and provide opportunities to investigators interested in next generation technologies and bioinformatics.
  • We connect upcoming investigators and early career scientists to principal investigators who are most likely to advance their career prospects.
• Why this approach works? Our justification.
  • We believe that 21st century researches are more interdisciplinary in nature which require strong collaborations amongst and across scientific groups, openness, and the dissemination of knowledge, information, and opportunities.

• What are our hopes and dreams? The big picture.
  • We will propose and drive the Nigerian BioGenome Project; biodiversity and human population. We hope to engage the conversation to sequence all known species indigenous to the Nigerian state.
  • We will deploy the technical expertise and skill transfer mechanisms required for further breakthroughs within the field of bioinformatics and genomics in Nigeria.
  • We want to provide an open access-shared platform for Nigerian bioinformatics researches; supporting Nigerian / African journals and electronic means.
  • We want to ultimately drive the conversation, and deploy proposal, for a Nigerian National Bioinformatics Institute (NNBI).
• What problems are we solving for the greater good? Our motivation.
  • We want to find treatments for tropical diseases and illnesses that are peculiar to the Nigerian state
  • We want to preserve Nigerian biodiversity and ecosystem so that those who come after us will have a better environment.
  • We will contribute in training the next generation of Nigerian bioinformaticians, computational biologists, and genomicists.
• Who and what are we inspiring to change? Our inspiration.
  • We want to redefine research and educational approaches in Nigeria through the deployment of world class research and teaching techniques.
  • We want to inspire strong collaborations between research institutes, institutions of higher learnings, governments, and private sectors.
  • We want to inspire young people to consider a career in bioinformatics and the many opportunities this avails in Africa.
  • We want to propel the competitiveness of Nigerian researchers in the fields of bioinformatics and genomics.
• Why this approach works? Our justification.
  • We believe that to benefit from the technological advances in bioinformatics and genomics will require a national commitment and investment. It will require the right sets of infrastructure, scientific leadership, and platforms in place which will ultimately help us solve many of Nigeria’s problems in health and biodiversity.

• All NGBN’s activities and processes are designed to meet international standards.
• Leadership structure is based on recommendation and subject to board approval.
• All information for opportunities are shared openly.