[Temporarily on hold] Advanced Approaches for Viral Genomic Surveillance - Latin America and the Caribbean

The course is undergoing further development, and applications are no longer available.

We are currently reviewing the timeline for this course’s release to ensure the best possible experience. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

In an era of rapidly evolving pathogens, viral genomics has become a game-changer in tackling (re)-emerging viral threats that pose ongoing challenges. By enabling early detection, guiding timely interventions, and deepening our understanding of viral evolution, genomic data is essential for safeguarding both regional and global health.

This dynamic, hands-on course empowers researchers and public health professionals based in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) with the skills to apply cutting-edge viral whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics tools in real-world contexts. Participants will gain practical experience in monitoring, analysing, and reporting viral diseases of public health concern, such as arboviruses and respiratory infections, directly relevant to the LAC region.

Beyond technical training, the course fosters a broader effort to strengthen sustainable local capacity to generate and interpret viral genomic data to advance faster, smarter, and more effective responses to current and future outbreaks.

WHAT WILL THIS COURSE COVER?

This course is designed to provide practical skills in viral infectious disease surveillance, focusing on genomic approaches relevant to public health. Through hands-on training, participants will gain experience in cutting-edge methodologies for viral whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. These skills may be rapidly applied and shared within local networks.

The curriculum blends expert-led lectures with intensive laboratory sessions. Participants will learn to prepare sequencing libraries using advanced high-throughput sequencing technologies. Additionally, it offers a comprehensive introduction to bioinformatics, including essential command-line skills (Linux/UNIX), quality control of sequencing data, reference mapping, de novo assembly, and phylogenetic analysis.

Real-world case studies from clinical and public health contexts will provide insight into the practical challenges faced, reinforcing the value of genomic tools in outbreak response and disease monitoring.

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

This course is designed for researchers and professionals in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) working at the intersection of public health, infectious disease surveillance, and molecular virology research. The course is particularly relevant for laboratory and bioinformatics researchers and professionals working in public health institutions and supporting genomic data generation and analysis.

Pre-requisites:

To make the most of the course, participants should ideally have a background in molecular biology, virology, genomics, or a related field; familiarity with bioinformatics concepts and some exposure to tools or platforms used in sequencing analysis.

The course materials and instructions will be delivered in English with support for Spanish and/or Portuguese speakers where possible.

WHAT WILL YOU ACHIEVE?

At the end of the course, attendees will be able to:

• Apply advanced sequencing methodologies for viral infection surveillance.
• Compare and select appropriate laboratory protocols and analysis pipelines tailored to monitor and/or respond to public health emergencies.
• Perform bioinformatics analysis pipelines for viral identification and outbreak monitoring.
• Analyse and interpret viral genomic data to support outbreak response and inform public health decisions.
• Deploy and disseminate new skills and knowledge among peers, ensuring sustainable and continuous regional capacity in viral genomics.

This residential course will start at approximately 12:00 on Sunday 12 October 2025 and close at approximately 17:00 on Friday 17 October 2025. All times are in Brasília Time (BRT = UCT-3). See the time where you are here.

 The course will cover:

• High-throughput sequencing overview: Introduction to sequencing technologies and their applications in viral genomics.
• Library preparation: Hands-on training in cutting-edge methodologies applied to viral whole-genome sequencing.
• Bioinformatics essentials: Data quality control, genome assembly, consensus/variant calling, and metagenomics pipelines.
• Phylogenetic analysis: Multiple sequence alignment and inference of viral evolutionary relationships.
• Case studies: Real-world examples of tailored sequencing and analysis pipelines for priority viruses.
• Collaborative approaches: Activities to support regional partnerships and accelerate multidisciplinary collaborations.

Organisers

Paola Resende – Institute Oswaldo Cruz – Fiocruz RJ
Túlio Campos – Institute Aggeu Magalhães – Fiocruz PE
Elisa Cavalcante – Institute Oswaldo Cruz – Fiocruz RJ
Marilda Siqueira – Institute Oswaldo Cruz – Fiocruz RJ

Wellcome Connecting Science 

Course lead: Liã Bárbara Arruda
Event organiser: Karon Chappell

1. Start the application
   • Click on the APPLY button above to start your application. Please note that places are limited and will be awarded based on merit.

1. Demonstrate the course’s relevance to your project or role
   • Our courses are highly subscribed. When writing your tailored application, it is essential to clearly show how the skills you will learn in the course will be directly applicable and beneficial to your current role/project and how you plan to disseminate the knowledge after the course.
   • Preference will be given to applicants who are currently working on related projects or soon will be.

1. Letter of recommendation
   • Applications must be supported by a recommendation from a scientific sponsor (e.g. supervisor, line manager, or head of department). Ensure that your sponsor provides a tailored supporting statement by the application deadline. This statement must be uploaded as a PDF document to the registration system within your application. Applications without a supporting statement will not be considered.
2. Need help?
   • If you encounter any problems with the online application process, please contact us at globaltraining@wellcomeconnectingscience.org for assistance.

Application deadline: 24 June 2025

Travel visas
Depending on your citizenship, you may or may not require a visa to enter Brazil. Please check the Brazilian Ministry of Foreing Affairs website for visitor information.

Confirmed attendees requiring an invitation letter should contact us at globaltraining@wellcomeconnectingscience.org.

Accommodation services phishing scam – please be vigilant. More information.

This course is subsidised by Wellcome Connecting Science, and is free to attend.

Bursaries

Bursaries are offered based on merit to assist with shared accommodation, travel, and living expenses during the course. To apply, complete the bursary section of the online application form, explaining why funding would benefit you.

Applicants will be informed of the outcome, along with their course placement, typically within a month of the application deadline. Please note that both the applicant and sponsor are required to provide a justification for the bursary as part of the application.

Accommodation services phishing scam – please be vigilant. More information.