Post on 02-Jan-2016
Issues Limiting Issues Limiting development of development of BioinformaticsBioinformatics
Francis Francis Oguya, NMKOguya, NMK
The gap in AfricaThe gap in AfricaWeak capacity in
◦Taxonomy ◦Curatorial expertise ◦Infrastructure ◦Appropriate taxonomic tools
Flow of Taxonomic Information on plants and animals a major impediment
The gap in AfricaThe gap in AfricaTaxonomy is MOTHER of all
biological sciences because it helps us ◦Identify◦Describe◦Classify the diversity of life
Biodiversity must be described properly, it must be protected and saved and be utilized sustainably and be further developed.
Bio-informatics – the solution Bio-informatics – the solution to our problems?to our problems?
It is the process of capturing, managing,
interpreting, generating and disseminating biodiversity information, mainly at the specimen, species and ecosystem levels.
Bioinformatics provides tools and resources for managing and analysing the biodiversity data.
BI ... WHAT....??!!!BI ... WHAT....??!!!The application of Bioinformatics,
is a fairly new discipline in the African continent and relatively unknown to the majority of institutions
BI courses are not taught at our local universities
University Faculties are traditional and uninterested in new applications
Need for EngagementNeed for EngagementLone range Research Scientists are
focused on research with end game - PUBLICATION – game over!!!
Little or no - application of research to issues that are relevant to the country – how can this be done effectively??
Linkages between Researchers and Government organisations which require PRODUCTS from research
Engagement – chicken & egg Engagement – chicken & egg situationsituation
The culture of Governments seeking out research findings – lacking
Government decision making based NOT ON EVIDENCE, but anecdotal and emotional
Researchers seem irrelevant to Government because they are immersed in their science and are not developing products addressing Government needs
RESULT – Government purse strings are tied, little/no support for research and BI
Some thoughts...Some thoughts...Researchers need to seek out Government
and find out how they can make contributeResearchers need to engage with academic
institutions to enlighten on career pathways towards taxonomy and BI
Researchers need to engage with tertiary institutions to initiate BI programs at undergraduate level
Institutions that have Biodiversity holdings MUST MAINSTREAM BI into their strategic planning
ASANTETHANK YOUOBLIGATOREMERCIE