University of Guelph Experts Empower Scientists in Peru and Ghana

The University of Guelph’s Centre for Biodiversity Genomics (CBG) has recently conducted training programs in Peru and Ghana, aimed at sharing advanced DNA barcoding technology with local scientists. This initiative focuses on enhancing scientific capacity in regions rich in biodiversity, which have been historically underrepresented in molecular biology research.

Building Capacity in Biodiversity Research

Founded by Dr. Paul Hebert, the CBG is renowned for its work in DNA barcoding, a method that allows for the identification of species through genetic sequencing. The facility has amassed the world’s largest DNA library, containing over 15 million specimens. Despite this extensive collection, many species remain unidentified, underscoring the need for ongoing research and training.

This summer, members of the CBG team, including Dr. Ken Thompson and Dr. Spencer Monckton, were invited to facilitate workshops in both countries. Their mission was to guide participants through the entire DNA barcoding workflow, from field collection to data analysis. “As much of the world’s biodiversity lies in the Global South, it is critical that we build scientific capacity in these nations,” stated Hebert.

Hands-On Training for the Next Generation

The training sessions included 35 participants, comprising students, researchers, and government officials from Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Guinea. The workshops focused on bridging the gap in molecular biology access, which is often limited in many African countries. “One of our primary objectives with the workshop was to equip delegates with the knowledge and skills to access DNA barcoding more easily,” Monckton explained.

Through a combination of lectures and hands-on laboratory experience, participants learned to utilize DNA barcoding technology effectively. This method enhances the speed and accuracy of species identification, making it a vital tool for biodiversity documentation.

The CBG’s innovation team is also developing ONTOLOGY, an integrated suite of software and chemware that supports DNA barcoding processes. “These participants had serious drive; they would ask for homework and were often working late into the night,” Thompson remarked, highlighting the enthusiasm demonstrated by attendees.

In Lima, the team worked with various specimens, including insects and plankton, while in Ghana, the focus was primarily on insects. Each participant completed a project analyzing their data, culminating in presentations that showcased their findings. “If you pair the right instructor and the right student, there are fewer things that could be more impactful or meaningful,” Thompson noted.

Monckton echoed this sentiment, stating, “When you introduce people to new tools, they can’t wait to put them to work in all kinds of creative ways. It’s exciting to see the positive impact of our work unfold in real time.”

Following the workshops, Monckton and Thompson offered to assist participants with their analyses and future projects. Several participants have already reached out for further guidance, indicative of the strong connections formed during the training. The team is also maintaining ongoing relationships with attendees from Peru, who are scheduled to visit the CBG for an exchange program.

“There is so much interest in what we do at CBG,” Thompson remarked. “It is extremely rewarding. Education really is a life-changing opportunity for people.”

The CBG’s efforts in Peru and Ghana are part of the broader International Barcode of Life consortium (iBOL), which aims to catalogue all life on Earth through DNA analysis. By training scientists globally, the initiative not only fosters scientific collaboration but also empowers future generations to document and protect the planet’s rich biodiversity.