Advancing Genomics and Training Leadership - Africa

This retreat brings together clinical microbiologists, laboratory scientists, and emerging trainers from across Africa to strengthen capacity in genomics training for clinical microbiology and public health. The programme is designed to equip participants with the skills to independently design sustainable genomics training initiatives that are tailored to local contexts and resource settings. Through an experiential, peer-learning approach, participants will work collaboratively to create practical outputs that can be implemented within their institutions and contexts.

The curriculum follows a progressive learning pathway that moves from understanding training needs and competency frameworks to designing modular curricula, strengthening facilitation and delivery skills, and planning scale-up systems. Participants will learn how to apply education principles, adapt training materials across different settings, and develop learner-centred activities.

What will this course cover?

By the end of the retreat, participants will have designed a modular training package and developed a trainer network that supports the strengthening of African-led, scalable, and sustainable genomics training initiatives in clinical microbiology.

Main topics covered:

• Competency-based training design for clinical microbiology and public health.
• Development of modular and adaptable genomics training curricula.
• Learner-centred facilitation and training delivery approaches.
• Sustainable scaling, peer-mentorship, and regional trainer network development.

The course content will be delivered in English with additional support for French and Portuguese speakers.

Who should attend this course?

This retreat targets experienced clinical microbiology and public health professionals with genomic exposure who are positioned to become national trainers and leaders, enabling locally led, scalable genomics training initiatives across Africa.

This retreat is designed for mid- to senior-level scientists and practitioners working at the interface of clinical microbiology, laboratory science, and public health, who are:

• Actively using or planning to use genomic approaches (example: whole genome sequencing) in their work.
• Based in national reference laboratories, public health institutes, research centres, or teaching hospitals.
• In positions where they can influence or deliver training within their institutions or countries.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the retreat, participants will be able to:

• Design high-quality genomics training programmes, tailored to their own contexts.
• Apply and adapt learner-centred training approaches to improve learning experiences.
• Co-develop and sustain an African trainer network for ongoing collaboration.

This 2-day event will start at approximately 8:00 on Friday, 25 September and end at approximately 18:00 on Saturday, 26 September 2026.

In this retreat, participants are expected to actively engage and contribute to:

• Actively co-design training programmes and materials.
• Share country-specific challenges and experiences.
• Commit to delivering at least one training activity post-retreat.
• Contribute to a regional trainer network and mentoring system.

Prerequisites

Applicants should have technical experience in clinical microbiology, with experience in laboratory workflows for infectious diseases and exposure to genomic data generation and analyses. They also must be currently involved in training, supervision and/or mentoring, or expect to undertake training or leadership roles within the next 12 months. 

In addition, applicants should be linked to genomics implementation, working in settings where genomics approaches are being implemented or already in place, or working with genomic data generated within regional or international partnerships.

Candidates must be nominated or endorsed by their institutions. The institution’s support must endorse that, after the retreat, they will support the candidates in leading the delivery of training locally and/or contribute to national or regional training programmes.

Participants are required to bring a personal laptop with access to Google Drive and administrative rights to install required software. If selected, you will receive further information to consult with your institution’s IT support team if necessary.

How to Apply

Attendance at the retreat is by invitation only. Eligible candidates will be contacted directly by email and invited to submit an application by 22 June 2026.

After applications are received, supervisors or institutional representatives will be contacted to confirm their support. Supporting information must be submitted by 29 June 2026.

Applications without supervisor support by the deadline will not be considered eligible.

If you encounter any problems with the application process, please contact us at courses@wellcomeconnectingscience.org for assistance.

Travel visas
You may require a visa depending on your citizenship. For further information, please visit the Abidjan Aeroport webpage: https://www.aeroport-abidjan.com/visa_on_arrival_ivory_coast.php

Confirmed attendees who require a letter to support a visa application should contact us at: courses@wellcomeconnectingscience.org.

The event is subsidised by Wellcome and is free to attend for selected participants.