The Bioinformatics Platform at the MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit is a regional leader in computational biology and data science. We provide cutting-edge tools and expertise that help researchers turn complex biological datasets into meaningful insights, advancing work in genomics, transcriptomics, microbiome science, and other high-throughput molecular technologies. Through close collaboration with scientific teams, we ensure that data is not just collected, but understood, interpreted and applied to solve real-world health challenges.
- Our Capabilities
At the heart of the platform is the Uganda Medical Informatics Centre (UMIC), a high-performance computing facility built to manage and analyze large-scale biomedical data securely and efficiently. UMIC is a UK Medical Research Council (MRC) funded initiative in collaboration with Wellcome Sanger Institute / University of Cambridge.The Centre offers:
- Secure data hosting for sensitive genomic and clinical research data
- High-speed computing infrastructure to run complex computational workflows
- Advanced software environments tailored for bioinformatics and data science
UMIC provides essential digital backbone for local and international research collaborations, empowering scientists to conduct analyses that would otherwise be impossible in resource-limited settings.
- How We Support Research
The Bioinformatics Platform works closely with research teams across all scientific themes at the Unit. Our services include:
- Designing robust data workflows to ensure reproducibility and accuracy
- Developing custom data pipelines for specific studies and research questions
- Data management support, from cleaning and structuring to secure storage
- Visualization tools to help scientists interpret results and communicate findings
Whether supporting a genome-wide association study or managing sequencing data for infectious disease surveillance, our team ensures that data is handled with precision and purpose.
- Capacity Building
We are committed to growing the next generation of African computational scientists. Through mentorship, internships, and training workshops, we build local capacity in:
- Bioinformatics and computational science
- Data science and statistical programming
- Workflow management and reproducible research
Our programmes target students, early-career researchers, and collaborating institutions, contributing to a sustainable pipeline of talent equipped to meet Africa’s growing data science needs.
- Strategic Partnerships
We collaborate with academic institutions, technology partners, and global research consortia to ensure continued innovation and relevance. These partnerships allow us to:
- Stay up to date with emerging bioinformatics tools and platforms
- Contribute to open-source communities and shared data standards
- Scale our impact through shared infrastructure and joint training initiatives
By continuously evolving our capabilities, the Bioinformatics Platform keeps the Unit at the forefront of data-driven health research in Africa.