University of Guelph Experts Empower Scientists in Peru and Ghana

The Centre for Biodiversity Genomics (CBG) at the University of Guelph recently extended its reach beyond Canada, sharing vital DNA barcoding technology with emerging scientists in Peru and Ghana. This initiative aims to enhance scientific capacity in regions rich in biodiversity but often lacking access to advanced molecular biology resources.

Training Future Scientists in DNA Barcoding

During the summer of 2023, members of the CBG team visited institutions in Peru and Ghana to provide comprehensive training on DNA barcoding. This process involves collecting samples from the field, extracting DNA, conducting polymerase chain reactions (PCR), and performing data analysis. The program was designed for graduate students and select delegates, focusing on empowering them with the skills needed to document and analyze biodiversity effectively.

Dr. Paul Hebert, the founder of the CBG, emphasized the importance of building scientific capacity in the Global South, stating, “As much of the world’s biodiversity lies in the Global South, it is critical that we build scientific capacity in these nations.” The training was facilitated by advancements in sequencing technologies and the development of an integrated package of software and hardware.

The initiative is part of the International Barcode of Life consortium (iBOL), which collaborates with researchers and organizations in over 40 countries to complete the inventory of all life on Earth through DNA analysis. This collective effort aims to enhance global biodiversity research and empower the next generation of scientists.

Hands-On Learning Experience

At the University of Ghana, Dr. Ken Thompson, an evolutionary ecologist at CBG, and Dr. Spencer Monckton, the taxonomy lead, worked alongside colleagues from the University of Johannesburg to train 35 participants from Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Guinea. Monckton observed that access to molecular biology in Africa is significantly limited compared to Western standards, which highlights the importance of initiatives like these.

“One of our primary objectives with the workshop was to bridge that gap by equipping delegates with the knowledge and skills to access DNA barcoding more easily,” Monckton said. The training included lectures and hands-on laboratory work, where participants engaged directly with DNA barcoding technology, a method that streamlines species identification.

Thompson, part of CBG’s innovation team, noted the enthusiasm of the participants, saying, “These participants had serious drive; they would ask for homework and were often working late into the night. They were eager to learn.” The program utilized specimens from local biodiversity research, allowing participants to complete projects and present their findings.

The training sessions also provided valuable learning experiences for the CBG experts. In Lima, the team worked with various specimens, including insects and plankton, while in Ghana, they focused predominantly on insect species. This exchange of knowledge not only benefitted the trainees but also enriched the instructors’ understanding of biodiversity in these regions.

Both Monckton and Thompson expressed their commitment to supporting the participants beyond the training. They offered ongoing assistance with analyses and future learning, and several participants have already reached out for further guidance. The team is also maintaining connections with participants from Peru who will visit CBG for additional training and exchange opportunities.

“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.” This initiative exemplifies the potential impact of collaborative efforts in advancing scientific knowledge and fostering a new generation of biodiversity researchers in underrepresented regions.