Capacity Building Initiatives

Advancing global microbiome science requires collaborative efforts, access to the latest scientific advancements, and high-quality bioinformatics and computational training for researchers worldwide. However, early-career scientists and researchers from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) often face barriers that limit their networking opportunities and participation in international conferences and training programs because of financial constraints, limited IT infrastructure, and resource shortage.

To address these challenges, the Global Microbiome Conservancy offers capacity-building programs focused on both experimental and computational aspects of microbiome research.

Experimental training

We provide essential microbiology and molecular biology protocols for microbiome data generation. Our programs are designed to equip researchers with the practical skills needed to produce high-quality data. Key components of our experimental capacity-building include:

• Step-by-step guidance on sample collection, processing, DNA extraction, library preparation, and sequencing protocols.
• Assistance with procuring essential laboratory equipment to support on-site microbiome research.
• Customised training sessions tailored to specific needs and research priorities.

@ Global Microbiome Conservancy

Computational workshops and training

We offer in-person or virtual computational workshops to empower researchers with the skills necessary to analyze and interpret microbiome data. Our programs cover a range of computational tools and techniques, including:

@ Global Microbiome Conservancy

• Instruction in data processing, quality control, taxonomic profiling, and statistical analysis.
• Training on the use of publicly available software and databases for microbiome data analysis.
• Guidance on visualizing and interpreting complex microbiome datasets.

A recent example of this activity is the two-day bioinformatics workshop hosted by the Kiel Microbiome Center in 2024 (with financial support from NFDI4Microbiota, etc), using GMbC microbiome datasets for hands-on training in analysis and visualization. Teaching material from this workshop can be found at here.

Kiel Microbiome Club (ECR initiative)

The Kiel Microbiome Club is a new initiative dedicated to supporting early-career microbiome researchers. The Club provides a structured platform for knowledge exchange, skill development, and peer networking.

The initiative hosts regular online sessions, including lightning talks and interactive exchange formats, with the aim of strengthening the international ECR microbiome community.

Early-career researchers interested in receiving updates and participating in upcoming activities are invited to register here: https://forms.gle/nG8Nip5LGU4wU1KE7

Upcoming event

Interested in giving a lightning talk?
Submit your details here: https://forms.gle/shuQTyZx717ZiMD98

Seminars

As part of our commitment to building scientific community and supporting collaborative exchange, the GMbC co-hosts a bi-monthly online seminar series with the Kiel Microbiome Center (KMC). These seminars feature invited speakers from the GMbC network as well as from academic institutions, biotech companies, and startups. They provide an open platform for sharing work-in-progress, innovative technologies, and translational microbiome science, fostering connections across sectors and disciplines.

Upcoming seminars

Daniel Amoako-Sakyi, University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Er Yi Xian, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia

Malte Rühlemann, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Germany

Muriel Derrien, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium

Past seminars

If you are interested in participating in the GMbC seminar series, please contact at microbiomeconservancy@gmail.com.

KMC–GMbC event series (Kiel, September 2024)

In September 2024, the Kiel Microbiome Center and GMbC jointly organized an international event in Kiel, which served as the official launch of the Kiel Microbiome Center. The event included:

• A flagship opening symposium on the center’s mission and vision.
• A one-day conference on ethics and benefit-sharing in microbiome research.

The event brought together speakers from 10 countries and emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue across genomics, microbial ecology, computational biology, and ethics.

@ Global Microbiome Conservancy / Photos by S. Weimar: KMC–GMbC event series, Kiel (September 2024).

Together, these activities form an integrated capacity-building programme that supports early-career researchers, international collaboration, and equitable access to microbiome science.