Advert: Hands-on Training in Recombinant Protein Production-A Tool for Vaccine Manufacturing Independence in Africa (Series 1)
Empowering Africa’s next generation of scientists to lead vaccine innovation
​
Background
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Africa faced severe vaccine shortages because the continent relied almost entirely on imported vaccines. The same challenge persists for many diseases prevalent in Africa, where vaccines and essential biologics must still be sourced externally. To address this global health inequity, Africa must build the capacity to manufacture its own vaccines and biotherapeutics.
BioStruct-Africa aims to contribute to this goal by developing local expertise in recombinant protein production—a critical and rare skill set across most of the continent’s emerging research institutions. This training will not only strengthen vaccine development and manufacturing capabilities but also provide a foundation for understanding protein structure and function in solution, an essential step toward rational drug discovery.
Importantly, this initiative will complement our ongoing capacity-building efforts in AI-driven structural biology and drug discovery, creating a holistic framework that bridges computational design with experimental validation for sustainable scientific development in Africa.
Workshop Highlights:
-
Practical sessions in recombinant protein design and expression systems
-
Purification, quantification, and quality assessment of recombinant proteins
-
Protein stability measurement and optimization for downstream applications
Who Should Apply
Early-career scientists, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers in biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, or any related discipline.
This pilot workshop will primarily accept applications from researchers based in Kenya. However, researchers from outside Kenya who are able to cover their own travel, accommodation, and visa expenses are welcome to apply.
​
Support for Participants:
-
Registration fees will be covered.
-
Special encouragement is extended to female applicants and individuals with disabilities to apply.
Application Requirements:
-
CV: Detailed resume outlining your academic and professional experience.
-
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.
-
Two Letters of Recommendation: Endorsements from professionals who can attest to your qualifications and potential.
-
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.
Why Attend?​
-
Gain hands-on laboratory experience in techniques critical for vaccine development and manufacturing.
-
Join a growing network of experts driving Africa’s scientific independence.
-
Access post-workshop mentorship and collaboration opportunities through BioStruct-Africa.
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: January 31st, 2026.
By submitting your application to BioStruct-Africa, you agree to our privacy policy.
​
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.
​
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.
​
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.
​
