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The International workshop on Fungal Molecular Identification: Sample collection, DNA extraction, Agarose gel Electrophoresis, PCR amplification and Sequence Analysis was held at the Fobang Institutes for Innovations in Science and Technology (FINISTECH), Yaounde Cameroon from the 23rd – 25th May 2024. It was organised by Professor Tonjock Rosemary Kinge of the University of Bamenda and co-organised by Inqaba Biotech Central Africa Ltd. The workshop brought together experts in molecular biology, as well as mycologists, plant pathologists, science communicators and laboratory technicians to build capacity of Master, PhD students and early career researchers in the theoretical and practical aspects on the molecular identification of fungi.
The objective of the workshop was to expose mycologists, plant pathologists, soil biologists and those who work with fungi to learn the theoretical, hands-on laboratory practical on DNA extraction, PCR amplification and sequence analysis. The workshop was for three days. The first day was focused on the theoretical aspect of the workshop in which lectures was given by experts on fungal sample collection from diverse sources, DNA extraction (from mushrooms, from cultures of soil samples, from fungal pathogens isolated from crops, AMF in the soil and root-associated AMF etc.), agarose gel electrophoresis, PCR amplification and sequence analysis, challenges faced by molecular biology researchers in developing countries, science communication and the basics of grant writing and funding opportunities. At the end of the first day, there was group work for all participants on all what was learnt which was presented on the second day. On day 2 of the workshop, there was individual presentation followed by question and answer session. After that, there was a test assessment given to know the level of the participants and this was followed by hands-on practical on DNA extraction, agarose gel electrophoresis and PCR amplification. Finally, on the third day, there was hands-on practical again on agarose gel electrophoresis, feedback from the workshop closing ceremony and award of certificates.
There were 38 participants who attended the workshop from nine institutions in Cameroon and Ivory Coast. There were 7 facilitators of the workshop comprising of Professor Tonjock Rosemary Kinge, Professor Tofel Haman, Professor Mbouobda Hermann, Dr Oba Romauld, Dr Rolland Tata, Mr Brice Tibab and Mr Mih Brandon. The workshop was an avenue for capacity building in molecular biology which is lacking for many scientists from developing countries. Also, the participants learnt how to communicate their research findings and tips to apply for grants, scholarships and fellowships. It was avenue for networking and collaboration. As a follow-up from the workshop, a google email and a dedicated whatsgroup was created to share information on capacity building in molecular biology. Also, a webinar meeting will take place by last week of June 2024 on sequence analysis.
The generosity of Professor Mbacham Wilfred, President of FINISTECH Yaounde is greatly appreciated for offering us hall and laboratory space for the workshop as well as his active engagement throughout the workshop. We are grateful for the funding from the British Society of Plant Pathology BSPP, that allowed us to reduce registration and accommodation for some BSPP post graduate students. We are also grateful for funding from the Society for the Protection of the Underground Network which covered the registration and accommodation for two facilitators and two participants. At the end of the workshop, pictures and recorded videos were sent to all the participants and facilitators. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive about the venue, the organisation, time management and the content of the workshop, and they emphasised that the knowledge delivered by all facilitators was excellent and comprehendible. Participants requested that the workshop should be organised yearly for them to continually build their capacity and also to give other postgraduate students opportunity to attend and build their capacity. They also requested that other aspects such as writing a good research proposal and grant should be integrated as topics in future workshop. However, this is depended on availability of funds to organised a yearly workshop.
Professor Tonjock Rosemary Kinge
University of Bamenda, Cameroon
Picture credits: Mr Tatang Cyrile
MAIN IMAGE: Pictures with participants after lab work
Hands-on DNA extraction by participants
Opening ceremony picture-Day 1
Professor Tonjock Rosemary explaining sample preparation before DNA extraction
