Development of Bioinformatics Research, Teaching and Infrastructure at the University of Sindh

Partner Institutes
University of Essex	University of Sindh, Jamshoro

Bioinformatics is the application of computer science and information technology to the field of biology and medicine. It is an important strategic field for development, because it brings together ideas from biology, biochemistry, computer science, mathematics and statistics. There is a growing need for education in bioinformatics in Pakistan. At present, the country has limited growth in technology and it is becoming increasingly important for it to take up ventures which would enhance its technological capabilities.

University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan, in partnership with University of Essex, UK, plans on building a strong and coherent bioinformatics group at the University of Sindh under the INSPIRE Strategic Partnership Programme.

The project will seek to introduce an effective and comprehensive professional development programme for researchers in both institutes. Essex will help Sindh in the development of its infrastructure for technology transfer and research commercialisation. Members of the Essex team will assist in conducting projects and workshops; leading to a detailed assessment of the gaps in Sindh's existing provision for research commercialisation and professional development relevant for bioinformatics.

There will also be PhD projects available for students at the Sindh University. The aim is to further the professional development of research students and early career researchers by raising their awareness of the exploitation of research. Another avenue would be ‘Communicating Your Research in the Media’. This course will be led by staff from the Communications and External Relations section at the University of Essex. It will focus on communicating research to non-expert audiences which is an important way of raising the profile of a researcher.

Essex University’s International Strategic Agenda 2010-2013 includes a commitment to build on the long history of international engagement to further internationalise the university through a systematic strategic approach. The project at hand will provide them a good start in their aim to internationalise the university through collaborations and partnerships. This will also benefit Essex in establishing a variety of leadership and professional development courses and conduct workshops for its students and faculty members.

Lessons learnt:

• Learnt to work together with different educational systems of UK and Pakistan. 
• Obtained first hand knowledge of working in the field of Bioinformatics.

Challenges faced:

• Identification and preparation of team of passionate experts who are willing to work together for the establishment of the M.PHIL/PhD in Bioinformatics at University of Sindh
• The security situation and complications resulting from it in Pakistan has slowed down the exchange visit process.

Impact:

• This project has ensured a lasting impact on University of Sindh by establishing the field of Bioinformatics at the University to conduct of teaching and research
• Better understanding of some of the hurdles that are being faced in Pakistan with regards to Bioinformatics

Key contacts:

Dr. Andrew Harrison, University of Essex

harry@essex.ac.uk, www.essex.ac.uk

Prof. Dr. M.Y. Khuhawar, University of Sindh

mykhuhawar@usindh.edu.pk, www.usindh.edu.pk