Issues Limiting development of Bioinformatics Francis Oguya, NMK

The gap in Africa Weak capacity in ◦ Taxonomy ◦ Curatorial expertise ◦ Infrastructure ◦ Appropriate taxonomic tools Flow of Taxonomic Information on plants and animals a major impediment

The gap in Africa Taxonomy 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 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....??!!! 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 Engagement Lone 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 situation 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... Researchers need to seek out Government and find out how they can make contribute Researchers 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

ASANTE THANK YOU OBLIGATO REMERCIE