Empowering African Scientists: AVecGen Researchers Dive into Structural Biology in Nairobi
From August 11 to 15, 2025, Vanessa Ngannang and Carlos Djoko, researchers under the African Centre for Vector Genomics (AVecGen) project, had the remarkable opportunity to participate in a hands-on Structural Biology Workshop held in Nairobi, Kenya. Themed “A Tool for Sustainable Development in Africa – Series 6,” the workshop emphasized the critical importance of building scientific capacity across the continent.
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This intensive five-day program offered practical exposure to cutting-edge techniques and state-of-the-art tools in structural biology and bioinformatics, fostering collaborative learning and deepening expertise in several key areas:
Key Learning Highlights:
Molecular Docking: Hands-on training using Schrödinger Maestro for ligand-receptor interactions.
Protein Structure Prediction: Application of AlphaFold 2 and AlphaFold 3 for predictive modeling, followed by comparative analysis with experimental data.
Structural Visualization & Analysis: Skill development using PyMOL and ChimeraX for 3D molecular visualization.
Experimental Techniques: Exploration of X-ray Crystallography (XRC), Cryo-Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM), Cryo-Electron Tomography (cryo-ET), and NMR to understand complex biochemical phenomena.
Bioinformatics Databases: Practical use of essential resources such as the Worldwide Protein Data Bank (wwPDB), RCSB PDB, and ChEMBL for ligand and protein data.
The workshop provided an invaluable platform for African scientists to strengthen their technical skills and engage with peers in a dynamic learning environment. Vanessa and Carlos expressed deep gratitude to the organizers and instructors for a truly enlightening experience that will significantly contribute to their professional growth and the broader goals of AVecGen.
As CRID continues to champion innovation and capacity-building in infectious disease research, such opportunities reflect the growing momentum toward scientific excellence and sustainable development in Africa.
