Advert: Hands-on training in structural biology, a tool for sustainable development in Africa (series 7).

 

Empower Your Career with Advanced Structural Biology Skills!

Join us for the seventh series of our renowned workshop, "Hands-On Training in Structural Biology." This workshop will focus on utilizing AlphaFold for protein structural determination and applying these structures to screen small-molecule compound libraries for drug discovery. Participants will also gain expertise in protein structural analysis and interpretation.

 

Workshop Highlights:

• AlphaFold Training: Master the use of AlphaFold for accurate protein structural determination.

• Drug Discovery: Learn to use protein structures (AlphaFold2/3 and experimentally solved structures) to screen small-molecule compound libraries.

• Structural Analysis: Participate in practical sessions on protein structural analysis and interpretation.

• Hands-on protein crystallization, crystal harvesting, and cryo-cooling

• Remote synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction data collection

• Expert Lectures: Gain insights from leading professionals in the field.

• Networking: Build connections with peers and experts.

 

Support for Participants:

• Return economy airfare, accommodation, registration, and meals during the workshop.

• Participants are responsible for their local travel within their home country. Airport transfers in Kenya (pick-up and drop-off) will be provided.

• Special encouragement is extended to female applicants and individuals with disabilities to apply.

 

Application Requirements: 

1. CV: A detailed curriculum vitae outlining your academic and professional experience, including any previous workshops, training courses, or relevant professional development activities you have attended.

2. Motivation Letter: A maximum of 500 words explaining your interest in the workshop, your current work, and how you plan to apply the knowledge gained.

3. Two Letters of Recommendation: Endorsements from professionals who can attest to your qualifications and potential.

4. Institutional Support Letter: A letter from your Head of Department, Dean, or an appropriate leader in your home institution, committing to support you in organizing a similar workshop at your institution.

5. Obligation: While the training is free, participants are required to bring their laptops with a minimum of 8GB RAM and 250GB of storage. A computer mouse is also required.

6. Combine all application materials into a single PDF file.

7. As a prerequisite for the workshop, selected applicants must successfully complete a compulsory, free two-month online training programme in small-molecule drug discovery and computational antibody design delivered by Schrödinger.

8. Participants are responsible for arranging and covering the costs of their own medical insurance and complying with all immigration and entry requirements for Kenya.

9. If any part of your application was generated or assisted by an AI tool, please declare its use and briefly describe how it was used.

10. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

 

Why Attend?

• Develop expertise in cutting-edge structural biology techniques.

• Contribute to sustainable development through scientific advancement.

• Enhance your professional skills and network.

• Empower your institution by sharing newly acquired knowledge.

 

Take this opportunity to advance your career and make a significant impact on sustainable development in Africa.

Apply now and join a community of professionals dedicated to scientific excellence!

 

Contact Information: 

Please submit your application by emailing the required supporting documents to administrator@biostructafrica.org.

Application Deadline: September 4th, 2026 (5 pm EAT).

By submitting your application to BioStruct-Africa, you agree to our privacy policy.

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Statement on Gender Balance
The Workshop Organizing Committee is committed to promoting gender equality. We will ensure balanced representation within our committees, including the Organizing Committee, among our lecturers, and within our participant selection process. Particular attention will be given to gender balance in evaluating applications to foster an inclusive and equitable environment.

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Scientific Freedom Policy Statement
The Workshop Organizing Committee upholds the principles of scientific freedom and non-discrimination. We affirm the right of all scientists to engage in international scientific activities regardless of ethnic origin, religion, citizenship, language, political views, gender, sex, or age, in accordance with the Statutes of the International Council for Science. Our event will maintain an open and inclusive environment, free from any barriers to the participation of bona fide scientists.

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
We welcome all structural biologists and scientists in related fields, irrespective of ethnic origin, race, citizenship, language, political views, gender, sex, sexual orientation, physical abilities, or age. We are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring a respectful and supportive environment for all participants.

 

Harness the power of structural biology for a sustainable future. Apply today!!!