17/07/2026
๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ข๐จ๐ข๐ง๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌ, ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ ๐๐๐ข๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐
The Botswana Harvard Health Partnership (BHP) successfully hosted a two-day Bioinformatics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science Training from 16โ17 July 2026 at Cresta Lodge, Gaborone, with participants attending both in person and virtually.
Originally planned as a fully in-person course, the training attracted significantly more applications than anticipated, suggesting a growing demand for advanced skills in bioinformatics, artificial intelligence and data science among researchers, students and healthcare professionals.
To accommodate as many participants as possible, the programme was restructured to provide virtual attendance. The first day focused on beginner-level concepts, while the second day covered more advanced topics. A different cohort of participants attended in person each day, with all remaining registered participants joining virtually, enabling broader access to the training.
The training was organised by BHP Training and Development Manager and Principal Investigator of the Phodiso Study, Prof. Catherine Koofhethile, and aimed at strengthening scientific capacity and developing the next generation of researchers.
Participants benefited from expert instruction by Prof. Malika Boudries of Harvard Medical School and Dr. Wonderful Choga, BHP's Senior Bioinformatician, who guided attendees through both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of bioinformatics and artificial intelligence in HIV research.
Phodiso Study Data Manager, Phenyo Sabone, provided technical assistance throughout the training, supporting participants with the installation and use of the course software to ensure a smooth learning experience.
The training built on the momentum of the 3rd BHP HIV Cure Symposium, which was held at the same venue on 15 July 2026, bringing together researchers, students and stakeholders to discuss advances in HIV cure research. The training was meant to equip researchers, students and professionals with the analytical tools needed to advance science.
In total, the training attracted 931 participants, with 105 attending in person over the two days and 826 participating virtually.