L-R: Dr. S. Pandam (KNUST), Prof. S.O. Rotimi (CApIC-ACE) and Prof E.E.J. Iweala (Center Lead, CApIC-ACE) The Regional Cancer Genomics Training 1.0 was held at the Prempeh II Library Research Commons, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana in 2023. The 5-day specialized training focused on basic cancer genomics training for one of our centre’s regional partners, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana. The training objectives were to: provide participants with in-person collaborative opportunity for regional knowledge sharing and discussion on cancer genomics research, ACE IMPACT and CApIC-ACE project objectives, activities, and expected impact; assessment of available laboratory facilities and resources relevent to cancer genomics research; provide partnership support and share global best practices on cancer genomics research and implementation of partnership activities.
Participants at the Regional Cancer Genomics Training 1.0 The programme included laboratory tours, courtesy visits, introductions, recognitions, remarks, presentations, goodwill messages, and interactive sessions. Five (5) intensive educational sessions were held during the training on the following topics: Overview of CApIC-ACE and Regional Partnerships, Overview of Cancer Genomics research in Africa, Introductory Cancer Genomics, Cancer Genomics Research at CApIC-ACE, Overview of Biospecimen Science for Cancer Research, Patient recruitment, sample collection, processing, storage and transportation, Development of SOP, Assessment of Bioinformatics capacity and gaps and Basic Bioinformatics for cancer genomics.
The Applied Research Coordinator, CApIC-ACE, Prof. Solomon Rotimi facilitating a session
The benefits of the programme included:
- A forum to share insights in cancer genomics research, the ACE IMPACT project and CApIC-ACE;
- Opportunity to fully appreciate the ACE IMPACT regional partnership programme;
- Networking opportunities for research partnerships and collaborations between participants and CApIC-ACE;
- Opportunity for regional recognition for CApIC-ACE and Covenant University.
The training provided knowledge in cancer genomics to participants and provided a platform for regional research collaboration between Ghana and Nigeria. Participants acquired basic knowledge in Cancer Genomics research and its status in Africa. They also gained valuable knowledge in Biospecimen Science for Cancer Research, Patient recruitment, sample collection, processing, storage and transportation. The participants were introduced to the development of SOP and Basic Bioinformatics for cancer genomics. The programme encouraged a renewed resolve to engage in collaborative and productive research among postgraduate students, researchers, and clinicians, that will generate better outcomes for cancer patients in West Africa.
Dr. Salifu Pandam (KNUST) facilitating a session
The participants included selected faculty, postgraduate students and clinicians from KNUST while the faciliators included Prof E.E.J. Iweala (CApIC-ACE), Prof. S.O. Rotimi (CApIC-ACE) and Dr. S. Pandam (KNUST). The active participation of CApIC-ACE's Prof. Emeka Iweala and Prof. Solomon Rotimi as facilitators in the programme underscored the Centre’s commitment to advancing cancer research and capacity building and playing a leading role in the fight against cancer in Africa. The training was a laudable forum to understand the important aspects of the ACE IMPACT project and CApIC-ACE research on cancer genomics. The knowledge and experience shared and gained at the training assured a successful implementation of regional activities and research of the ACE IMPACT project.