MBZUAI's Computational Biology department hosted the first Data Carpentry workshop in the UAE, a global initiative focused on foundational data science skills for researchers. The workshop included 35 participants from academia and industry, covering topics like data tidiness, cloud computing, command lines, and data wrangling. 70% of the participants were female, and several were Emirati nationals. Why it matters: This initiative addresses the growing need for computational skills in genomics research, bridging the gap between wet lab experiments and data analysis for scientists in the UAE.
KAUST researchers organized a week-long workshop on bioinformatics, covering genomics and transcriptomics data analysis. The workshop targeted students, postdocs, and senior researchers, providing hands-on training in coding and analysis using tools like R, Python, and shell scripts. Attendees with little prior computational biology experience were introduced to fundamental concepts and tools for handling large sequencing datasets. Why it matters: The workshop addresses the increasing need for bioinformatics expertise at KAUST and in the region, crucial for advancing research in fields like evolution and complex diseases.
KAUST's Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC) held a Research Conference on Big Data Analyses in Evolutionary Biology. The conference focused on the impact of large "omics" datasets on evolutionary biology, requiring big data approaches for analysis. Researchers discussed how computer science can contribute to biology and vice versa. Why it matters: Such interdisciplinary events at KAUST can foster innovation at the intersection of computational science and biology, advancing research in both fields.
MBZUAI hosted a Single Cell Summer Workshop, gathering over 25 participants and speakers to explore single-cell omics data. The two-day event featured three workshops, nine talks, and networking opportunities, aiming to develop bioinformatics skills and strengthen the regional ecosystem. Workshops were led by Eduardo Beltrame (MBZUAI), Mariano Gabitto (Allen Institute), and Luke Zappia (Data Intuitive), covering topics like scvi-tools, multimodal machine learning, and benchmarking. Why it matters: This workshop signifies MBZUAI's commitment to advancing bioinformatics research in the UAE and fostering collaboration within the regional scientific community.
KAUST's Plant Science Program hosted a two-day workshop for early-career researchers, focusing on leadership and career development. The workshop, facilitated by Dr. Paul Dalby, covered grant proposal writing, leadership skills, and career planning. Participants also learned about project management, budget development, and attracting funding from various sources. Why it matters: Such programs enhance the skills of researchers at KAUST, preparing them for leadership roles in academia and industry, and fostering a stronger research ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.