This symposium will cover a broad range of topics in DNA barcoding and metabarcoding bioinformatics for biodiversity studies. Biodiversity experts from across Latin America and beyond will provide an introduction to the field, including general approaches and technologies for studying biodiversity in different contexts. Sample collection and processing, selecting appropriate markers and various analysis methods will be covered, as will regulatory issues in Latin America.

2 day symposium in Bragança, Pará State

There will be a second symposium titled, “IV North Northeast Symposium on Bioinformatics” in Bragança - PA between 4-5th September. The topic will also be biodiversity. It will be a good opportunity to connect with a wider bioinformatics community and to also see a beautiful spot near the coast. For further information please follow this link.

Who is this course for?

This symposium is aimed at a broad audience. We will welcome researchers from postgraduate level upwards who conduct biodiversity studies and are interested in initiating or boosting molecular and computational approaches to their work. We also welcome participation from those in industry, government, funding agencies or other stakeholders interested in establishing projects or programs on the use of molecular tools for biodiversity assessment, monitoring or species identification.

The symposium will present a higher level view of the topic. Specific molecular or computational skills are not necessary. However, a general understanding of molecular approaches will be very useful, as will an understanding of current practices for biodiversity assessment.

Please note this symposium will be in English, however, the speakers may be fluent in either Spanish/Portuguese, and can offer language support where feasible.

A number of travel fellowships are available for this course - early-stage researchers and researchers from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply for CABANA travel fellowships. You can apply for travel fellowships via the course application form.
 

What will I learn?

Learning outcomes

After this symposium, you should be able to:

• Explain the principles of molecular and computational approaches for the use of DNA-based technologies for biodiversity studies and assessment
• Design research applications using DNA-based methodologies
• Critically assess DNA-based technologies for biodiversity studies
• Critically evaluate the use of DNA-based technologies for industrial and government needs

Trainers

In order to be considered for a place applicants must complete the online application form.

Incomplete applications will NOT be considered. 

Please note that the registration fee of 130R$ includes:

• All symposium meals (lunch and refreshment breaks)
• Symposium materials
• Event dinner

There will be a maximum of 100 participants and registration is dependent on selection after successful completion of the application process.

Applications for fellowships will close on 29 July 2019 at 17:00 (British Summer Time), while applications for symposium attendance close on 16th August 2019 at 17:00 (Belem local time). Please do NOT apply for fellowships after 29 July as we are unable to award them after this date.

If you have any queries about the application process please email Guilherme Oliveira and Piv Gopalasingam.