posted on 2020-03-10, 03:47authored byNgonidzashe Faya
A decrease in sequencing cost has seen a large amount of sequence data being generated in
the last few years, leading to a paradigm shift from sequencing data generation to data
analysis. Despite the ease of data generation, the same cannot be said for data analysis mainly
due to fewer researchers with the bioinformatics skills necessary to analyze these datasets.
Moreover, most data analysis tools are developed for use with the Linux command line and
require use of high-performance computers, therefore there is need for hands-on data
analysis training. Empowering researchers through hands-on training courses is the key to
improve knowledge and understanding of bioinformatics approaches thereby easing the skills
shortage.
Genomics Aotearoa (GA) is a collaborative platform established to ensure that New Zealand
is internationally participating and leading in the fields of genomics and bioinformatics. One
of GA’s projects which is critical to genomics research is bioinformatics capability where
bioinformatics tools and strategies needed to analyze information are provided. The
bioinformatics capability project aims to address the increasing local demand for data analysis
methods as well as training. The concept is: develop material/pipelines that can be accessed
by everyone and travel to offer hand-on bioinformatics workshop. Post-doctoral researchers
with strong bioinformatics background have been brought on board to develop open-source
and reusable data analysis material and pipelines to benefit the genomics research
community. At this stage, development of introductory, intermediate and advanced
bioinformatics training material for genomics researchers is underway. Together with our
partner, NeSI, coordination and delivery of data science and bioinformatics training
workshops has already begun around the country seeing just above 250 researchers trained.
Basically, based on the expressions of interest, we managed a supply/demand of ~66% with
factors such as instructors and room availability contributing significantly to lowering this
figure. In 2020, we are coming up with strategies to improve our demand/supply. NeSI
platforms and it’s virtual machines were instrumental in hosting the training workshops which
allows trainees to expand their skill set from introductory to advanced levels with a focus on
how to use HPCs for their research.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Ngoni is the Genomics Aotearoa’s Training Coordinator, tasked with supporting and building
capacity and capability in bioinformatics for New Zealand. Based at the University of Otago,
he is working with Genomics Aotearoa partners across New Zealand to develop resources and
technologies that provide international level training for genomics and bioinformatics. The
aim is to give genetics researchers the training opportunities they need to analyse their own
data sets, as well as facilitating the NeSI computing platforms and infrastructure required in
their projects.
Dini is an Applications Support Specialist at NeSI with a particular interest use of High
performance computing for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. He joined NeSI
following a decade of research experience gained in the field of Cancer Genetics, Chemical
Genetics , Immunolgy and Bioinformatics.