ANTS Nigeria 2025 Workshop

ANTS Nigeria: Advancing DNA Barcoding and Metabarcoding in West Africa with Oxford Nanopore Sequencing
Are you an educator or researcher in West Africa looking to integrate advanced molecular biology techniques into your teaching or research? This is your opportunity!

The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center, DNA Learning Center Nigeria, and Oxford Nanopore Technologies are proud to present ANTS Nigeria – a workshop designed for educators and researchers across West Africa, focused on Oxford Nanopore Sequencing for DNA barcoding and metabarcoding.

This immersive, hands-on workshop will run from January 13–15, 2025, at the DNA Learning Center Nigeria, Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike, Enugu State, Nigeria.

What You’ll Learn

Participants will explore the versatile MinION device, a cost-effective, portable tool that enables real-time sequencing of both short and long DNA fragments. Through interactive sessions, attendees will gain practical experience in:

DNA Barcoding: Generating DNA barcodes from Nigerian ants and analyzing them using the mobile-friendly DNA Subway 2.0 platform.
Metabarcoding: Identifying bacterial microbiomes in environmental samples such as soil or water.

These cutting-edge techniques have applications in fields such as species identification, forensics, disease diagnosis, genome assembly, and environmental monitoring, empowering participants to push the boundaries of STEM education and research.

Participant Selection Criteria
Due to the workshop’s competitive nature, participants will be selected based on:
1. Potential for Application: Applicants who demonstrate a clear plan to integrate the knowledge and skills gained into their teaching or professional practice will be prioritized.
2. Proximity to the Workshop Location: To ensure accessibility, preference will be given to applicants from West African countries.
This strategic selection process ensures the workshop’s impact is maximized, fostering STEM advancement across the region.

Key Benefits
Participants will gain:
– A solid understanding of Nanopore Sequencing Technologies and their applications.
– Practical, hands-on experience in DNA barcoding and metabarcoding using real-world samples.
– Insights into innovative genomic tools to transform STEM education and research.

Meet the Experts
Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn from renowned experts, including:
Jeffry Petracca, Manager of Student and Public Research, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, USA.
Prof. George Ude, Chair of Natural Sciences, Bowie State University, USA, and Director, DNA Learning Center Nigeria.

Important Details
Bring Your Samples: Successful participants will be required to bring 2–3 ants from their local environment for DNA barcoding analysis.
Cost: The workshop is free of charge for college faculty. However, attendees are responsible for covering their transportation, meals, and accommodation.
Scholarships: Limited scholarships may be available to assist with accommodation costs.

Apply Now
The ANTS Nigeria Workshop provides a unique platform to explore transformative DNA sequencing technologies while connecting with like-minded educators and researchers across West Africa.

Are you ready to take the leap? Seize this opportunity to be part of a cutting-edge workshop that merges science, technology, and innovation to revolutionize education and research in Africa.

Apply Here: Click here to apply

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