Mr Mamana Mbiyavanga
The African Genomics Data Hub (AfriGen-D) provides essential curated resources and tools specifically designed for analyzing African genetic data, addressing unique challenges in variant discovery, imputation accuracy, and knowledge integration.
Participants will engage with real African genomic datasets through practical exercises, learning to navigate the complete biocuration pipeline from quality control through variant annotation. The workshop emphasizes how curated population-specific reference panels and specialized databases dramatically improve analytical outcomes, with African-specific panels demonstrating 15-40% accuracy improvements over generic reference panels.
Through interactive sessions combining theoretical foundations with hands-on practice, participants will master the AfriGen-D Imputation Service, explore the African Genomics Medicine Portal (AGMP) containing 2000+ curated pharmacogenomic variants, and utilize the African Genomics Variation Database (AGVD) for population-specific frequency analysis. This workshop directly contributes to addressing the severe underrepresentation of African populations in global genomic databases while building local capacity for genomic data curation.
- Master African-specific data quality control: Implement robust QC protocols tailored for high genetic diversity, understanding population stratification patterns unique to African populations
- Execute population-matched imputation workflows: Leverage curated African reference panels (H3Africa) to achieve superior imputation accuracy, demonstrating quantifiable improvements over generic panels
- Perform genomic association analysis: Conduct basic GWAS using the AfriGen-D Imputation Service, identifying population-specific signals and understanding statistical power considerations for diverse populations
- Apply systematic variant annotation: Utilize AGMP and AGVD databases to comprehensively annotate variants with African-specific allele frequencies, pharmacogenomic information, and clinical relevance
- Navigate AfriGen-D catalogues for data discovery
- Master data preparation and quality control using the AfriGen-D Imputation Service
- Execute and monitor imputation workflows using the AfriGen-D Imputation Service
- Perform post-imputation quality assessment
- Perform basic GWAS analysis using the AfriGen-D Imputation Service
- Anootate and interpret genetic variants using African-specific resources (AGMP and AGVD)
Primary Audience:
- Bioinformaticians interested in population-specific analysis
- Genomic researchers studying African or diverse populations
- Database managers handling population genomic resources
- Clinical geneticists working with African ancestry patients
Secondary Audience:
- Graduate students in genomics, bioinformatics, or computational biology
- Postdoctoral researchers expanding into population genomics
Basic understanding of genetics and familiarity with command-line interface required.
Not Required:
- AfriGen-D experience
- African genomics background
- Imputation software expertise