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Bioinformatics Capacity Development

The Bioinformatics Capacity Development Research Unit, based at the South African National Bioinformatics Institute (SANBI) at the University of the Western Cape, studies the relatively new field of bioinformatics which combines the fields of biology and computer science, with a focus on Africa and African concerns. The Unit aims to increase awareness of bioinformatics in South Africa to help the country make the most of this technology.

The field of bioinformatics draws information from most of the world. The African continent, however (along with Antarctica), has been neglected - putting it at risk of being caught on the wrong side of the ‘bio-divide’.

Key focus areas

  • Providing an African-based resource for biological research;
  • Making contact with other African partners;
  • a specialised online resource for bioinformatics and related studies;
  • Developing capacity and implementing approaches to bioinformatics and related studies in South Africa;
  • Increasing bioinformatics awareness in South Africa;
  • Offering databases and software tools for bioinformatics;
  • Providing countrywide training in bioinformatics and genomics (the study of genes and their functions) in South Africa; and
  • Supporting South African bioinformatics scientists.


For more information, visit the South African National Bioinformatics Institute's website

Prof Alan Christoffels
Unit Director
  • +27 21 959 3645
  • alan@sanbi.ac.za