Training in Neurodegenerative Diseases Research in Africa

AI-BOND Training Modules

Building Computational Research Capacities in Neurodegenerative Diseases Research in Africa

The AI-BOND course aims at training the next generation of African scientists, especially neuroscientists, in study design, cutting-edge techniques in data analysis, manuscript and grant writing to build a computational research workforce that will complement the global effort of “Building AD/ADRD Research Capacity in Africa.”

The AI-BOND program addresses this issue by providing accessible and high-quality online training in genetic epidemiology, biostatistics, and bioinformatics, explicitly focusing on neurodegenerative diseases. The program has brought together a multidisciplinary team of experts, including bioinformaticians, neuroscientists, educators, and mentors, to develop and deliver a curated curriculum combining theoretical knowledge and practical skills

This six-month online training program aims to bridge the bioinformatics knowledge and skill gap in neurodegenerative diseases, targeting students, neuroscientists, biologists, and clinicians across Africa. The AI-BOND program is designed to equip African scientists with the necessary bioinformatics tools for cutting-edge research on neurodegenerative diseases. It fosters a sense of community among researchers and promotes networking opportunities, essential for addressing the challenges posed by these diseases. The program is tailored to the African context, incorporating region-specific case studies and examples to ensure relevance and applicability to the unique healthcare landscape of Africa.

Module 1: PROGRAMMING
  • Introduction to programming
  • Introduction to R, SAS, Python, Linux
  • Introduction to HPC Computing
  • Introduction to Bioinformatics
  • Introduction to Biostatistics
Module 2: NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES
  • Concepts and Biology
  • Current Research and Methodologies
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases in Africa
  • Leveraging Existing Data and Databases
  • Statistical Approaches
  • Project Development
Module 3: GENETIC EPIDEMIOLOGY
  • Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) 
  • Meta-analysis of GWAS 
  • Whole-genome sequencing analysis
  • Whole-exome sequencing analysis
  • Mendelian Randomization and
    in-silico functional genomics approaches
Module 4: INTEGRATIVE MULTI-OMICS
  • Transcriptomics analysis (Microarray Gene Expression, RNA-seq, scRNA-seq) 
  • Epigenomic analysis (DNA-Methylation) 
  • Microbiome Studies 
  • Metabolomics and Lipidomics of Neurodegenerative Disease Biomarkers