London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

A genomics and bioinformatics training programme at the MRC/UVRI&LSHTM Uganda Research Unit has awarded 54 bursaries to early-career African researchers, supported by Roche’s African Genomics Programme, in a major milestone aimed at strengthening genomics research capacity and research leadership across the continent.

Implemented through the Unit’s Uganda Medical Informatics Centre (UMIC), the bursaries will support MSc, pre-PhD and PhD researchers from 13 countries across East, Central, West and Southern Africa through advanced training in genomics, bioinformatics and related health research fields.

The selected researchers work across disciplines including pathogen genomics, human genomics, metagenomics, infectious diseases and epidemic preparedness, reflecting growing continental demand for advanced research skills capable of supporting Africa’s response to emerging and long-term health challenges.

The bursaries are part of a two-year Roche-supported investment in African genomics leadership at the Unit, including the establishment of an Assistant Professorship in Genomics to facilitate advanced training, mentorship, and long-term research capacity development across the region.

Dr. David Twesigomwe, Assistant Professor in Genomics at the Unit, said the programme is designed not only to strengthen technical skills, but also to build sustainable African scientific leadership and collaboration in genomics research. 

“Our vision is to strengthen the African genomics research ecosystem by offering bioinformatics training and high-performance computing support to young African scientists, especially in regions where bioinformatics capacity is limited,” said Dr. Twesigomwe. “Beyond strengthening technical expertise, this programme is about nurturing a new generation of researchers who can lead collaborative science, mentor others, and apply genomics approaches to address Africa’s evolving health challenges. Investing in people, partnerships and long-term research capacity is this program’s way of contributing to scientific leadership that is both locally grounded and globally connected.”

Through the programme, researchers will gain access to UMIC’s high performance computing infrastructure and specialist bioinformatics expertise, helping strengthen analytical and research capacity across institutions and countries.

“I am looking forward to strengthening my genomics and bioinformatics skills to better analyse complex health data and translate it into meaningful evidence for public health decision-making,” said Joseph Katende, PhD research fellow at the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit. “I also plan to leverage the competencies and networks gained to build strong multi-national collaborations that contribute to more coordinated, cross-border scientific responses across Africa.”      

Dr. Damien Tully, Head of Bioinformatics at the Unit said the programme reflects growing investment in African-led genomics and long-term research capacity on the continent.

“At UMIC, our focus is to ensure researchers have the technical environment needed to develop and apply genomics and bioinformatics skills in real-world practice. By providing access to our computing infrastructure, analytical support, and specialist expertise, we will support trainees in handling complex datasets, strengthening reproducible analyses, and gaining practical, hands-on experience.” 

Related links: 

Grant from Roche African Genomics Program to expand genomics research capacity in Africa

New grant strengthens African genomics research and scientific leadership at MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit

Learn more about Bioinformatics at the Unit