News

Successful course on genomic diversity in animals

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January 28, 2020

An enthusiastic group of 27 participants from Europe, Russia, Middle East, China and South America followed the course on characterization, management and exploitation of genomic diversity in animals. The course was held from 9 until 13 December 2019 at Wageningen University & Research.

Course programme

The course was organised by the EU Horizon2020 project IMAGE, which aims to enhance the use of genetic collections and upgrading animal gene bank management using a multidisciplinary approach. A team of international lecturers, mostly involved in the IMAGE project, put together a challenging program. All relevant topics, needed to understand and make best use of genetic diversity, were covered in the course. Topics such as diversity within populations, population differentiation, introgression, selection history, functional genomics, as well as, preserving genetic material and diversity in populations.

Excellent group work

The participants got to know each other better during a speed-dating session to assist in the process of group forming. During the week they worked in groups applying the material learned to actual datasets with genotype data from different dog, cattle, pig-breeds. Although time was limited, all groups worked very hard and with great enthusiasm to present some nice results on Friday afternoon.

We thank Neogen Europe LTD for the lovely course dinner at restaurant Colors World Food. We look back at a great week with a full but instructive program and a motivated group of participants!