Pathways, outputs and impact of NIH-supported bioinformatics and genomics graduate trainees in Africa

Publication Type

Journal Article

Journal Name

Briefings in Bioinformatics

Name of Author

• Daudi Jjingo, Makerere University
• Andrew Walakira, Makerere University
• Suhaila Hashim, Pwani University
• Cisse Cheickna, Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako
• Ronald Galiwango, Makerere University
• Caleb Kibet, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
• Florence N. Kivunike, Makerere University
• Gerald Mboowa, Makerere University
• Fredrick Elishama Kakembo, Makerere University
• Babajide Ayodele, Covenant University
• Jean Baka Domelevo Entfellner, Biosciences eastern and central Africa - International Livestock Research Institute
• Santie De Villiers, Pwani University
• Karen Wambui, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
• Segun Fatumo, Queen Mary University of London
• Tinashe Chikowore, Brigham and Women's Hospital
• John Mukisa, Makerere University
• Alfred Ssekagiri, Makerere University
• Nicholas Bbosa, Makerere University
• Julius Mulindwa, Makerere University
• Samuel Kyobe, Makerere University College of Health Sciences
• Mike Nsubuga, Makerere University
• Grace Kebirungi, Makerere University
• Eric Katagirya, Makerere University College of Health Sciences
• Savannah Mwesigwa, Makerere University College of Health Sciences
• Ibra Lujumba, Makerere University
• Rogers Kamulegeya, Makerere University College of Health Sciences
• Samuel Kirimunda, Makerere University College of Health Sciences
• Stephen Kanyerezi, Makerere University
• Shahiid Kiyaga, Makerere University
• Ivan Sserwadda, Makerere University
• Davis Kiberu, Makerere University
• Daniel Masiga, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi,Kenya

Publication Date

1-1-2026

Abstract

Global biomedical and health research is increasingly relying on genomic and computational approaches, largely driven by the increasing volumes of nucleic acid sequencing. Concurrently, epidemiological studies and clinical records are generating enormous amounts of data amenable to disease modeling, machine learning, and artificial intelligence techniques. Bioinformatics and data science expertise is therefore essential for improved population health. Accordingly, in 2012, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) in partnership with the Wellcome Trust, and with support from the African Society for Human Genetics, initiated the H3Africa (Human Heredity and Health in Africa) consortium. One of its key goals was to build capacity among African scientists to lead research on genetic and environmental contributors to health and disease across the continent. In 2017, the NIH provided funding to support the establishment of four graduate bioinformatics training programs across five African universities. Over seven years, these programs enrolled multiple trainees (n > 270), with >110 earning Master's degrees and >20 completing PhDs in Bioinformatics. It is thus timely to evaluate the outcomes and impact of these programs, particularly regarding graduation rates, career trajectories, and the institutions and research domains their alumni are serving. We also assess employment outcomes and the nature of the research they are enabling (n > 110 peer-reviewed articles). We additionally include the progress and outputs of the programs' instructors, which were partially enabled by program resources, networks, and trainees. Overall, this review paints valuable insights into the pioneering role of NIH extramural support in shaping Africa's biomedical research landscape.

Keywords

Africa, bioinformatics, genomics, graduate trainees, post-graduation pathways

Recommended Citation

Jjingo, D., Walakira, A., Hashim, S., Cheickna, C., Galiwango, R., Kibet, C., Kivunike, F., Mboowa, G., Kakembo, F., Ayodele, B., Entfellner, J., De Villiers, S., Wambui, K., Fatumo, S., Chikowore, T., Mukisa, J., Ssekagiri, A., Bbosa, N., Mulindwa, J., Kyobe, S., Nsubuga, M., Kebirungi, G., Katagirya, E., Mwesigwa, S., Lujumba, I., Kamulegeya, R., Kirimunda, S., Kanyerezi, S., Kiyaga, S., Sserwadda, I., Kiberu, D., & Masiga, D. (2026). Pathways, outputs and impact of NIH-supported bioinformatics and genomics graduate trainees in Africa. Briefings in Bioinformatics, 27 (1) https://doi.org/10.1093/bib/bbag046

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