Funder
UK AID
Organizer
Summit Institute for Development
Collaborators
British Embassy Jakarta Indonesia
OUCRU Indonesia
Genomics Solidarity Indonesia (GSI) Academy
Genomics Solidarity Indonesia (GSI) Laboratory
Duration
January–March 2024
In Indonesia, significant strides have been made in collecting genetic data through initiatives such as the Genomics Solidarity Indonesia Laboratory (GSI Lab) and support from the Ministry of Health (MoH). However, a notable challenge persists due to the limited availability of expertise in bioinformatics, preventing the use of this data for advancing health and development.
To address this challenge, a collaborative effort has been established involving the Summit Institute for Development (SID), GSI Lab, GSI Academy, and OUCRU Indonesia, with funding provided by UK AID. From January to March 2024, a structured series of training sessions is scheduled to impart knowledge and skills in genetic data analysis, critical thinking, and scientific writing.
This program is unique, the first of its kind in Indonesia, in that it includes “sparring” sessions—hence the name ‘dojo’—where participants engage in rigorous discussions to defend their research ideas and offer constructive feedback on their peers’ work. Guided by experts from SID, OUCRU Indonesia, GSI Academy, and GSI Lab, the overarching objective is to equip participants with practical competencies essential for success in genomic research and scholarly publishing.
On March 2, 2024, participants competed in the “Shinjitsu Tournament” at YARSI University. The tournament utilized a “sparring” format, during which participants had to explain their research projects and defend their ideas from opponents.
The top 15 teams from the tournament and the sprints sessions advanced to a five-day workshop that took place in Lombok from March 6-10, 2024. During the workshop, participants refined their research manuscripts with the help of mentors, gained knowledge on a variety of topics.