Dear colleagues, We wish to inform you about our forthcoming workshop in chemosensory and chemical ecology of disease vectors. Kindly consider applying if possible or distribute within your network to those who might be interested. We have also a link to a PDF version that can be posted on notice boards
https://www.dropbox.com/s/x3wuv63cz9z7ktj/YALE-BRI-Vector%20Ecology%20Workshop.pdf?dl=0 Thank you in advance and accept our apologies for cross-posting. Kind regards Paul *Training in Basic and Applied **Chemo-Ecology and Chemo-Sensory Control of Disease Vectors* *Call for Applications* *Workshop Theme: Chemical communication systems **of disease vectors and potential in their eco-friendly control * Biotechonology Research Institute of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (BRI-KALRO) in collaboration with Yale University and Kenyatta University invites applications for training in basic and applied chemo-ecology and chemo-sensory control of disease vectors to be held on October 31 - November 5, 2016 at TRC Campus in Muguga Kenya. BRI, formally Trypanosomiasis Research Centre (TRC), is one of the 16 main institutes of KALRO. mandated to conduct research and develop technologies for effective control of athropod disease vectors. BRI works with government agencies, regional research and academic institutions to strengthen the biomedical capacity in the areas of vector biology and ecology, parasite biology, drug resistance, diagnostics, parasite/vector genetics, applied genomics/bioinformatics, vector control, data analysis/ management/ presentation and development of animal disease models. BRI is a founder member of Eastern African Network of Trypanosomiasis (EANETT), a regional network consisting of lead institutions with governmental mandates to work on African trypanosomiasis in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Sudan, South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo. BRI is also a WHO-TDR reference trainning center in project management for health research. Yale University is working with the BRI, Kenyatta University and their collaborators to strengthen capacity in biomedical research, including chemo-ecology and chemo-sensory control of desease vectors. *Workshop Scope: *The workshop will introduce participants to chemical, physiological and molecular communication systems in disease vectors and their potential in development of eco-friendly vector control tactics. *Learning outcomes * At the end of the course, the participants will gain: 1. Chemoperception in insects that transmit global diseases 2. Knowledge on semiochemical and visual based tactics for control of target vectors. 3. Skills in identification and evaluation of semiochemicals. 4. Foundation in modeling vector control tactics. *Requirements* Basic knowledge in insect science. Prior exposure to biological role of secondary metabolism will be an added advantage. *Target Audience* Postgraduate students, postdoctoral scientists, and academicians. *Preliminary Program* · Important disease vectors in Africa. · Vector ecology and host profiles. · Mechanisms and processes associated with host location · Chemical ecology and roles of different semiochemicals. · Odor perception in vectors. · Laboratory characterization techniques of active semiochemical signatures. · Advances in functional genomics of insect olfaction. · Development and field evaluation of semiochemicals based technologies for vector control. · Modeling control tactics of target vector populations. *Registration for Participation*: Registration and lunch will be covered by the sponsors. Participants are expected to take care of their own accommodation, local, and international travel expenses to and from BRI, Muguga, Kenya. Full board is available at $55 per day. The number of applicants is limited to 30. The organizers have limited competitive travel and accommodation fellowships for at most five exemplary applicants unable to cater for their expenses. Please indicate your support needs to the organizers when you apply. *Application Criteria*: Interested applicants are required to submit the following documents: 1) Application cover letter (please describe your background, personal area of interest and potential synergy between the training and your career– limit to 1 page) 2) Curriculum vitae 3) Two recommendation letters from persons familiar with the applicant’s potential Duly completed application and supporting documents should be submitted via e-mail to Drs. Paul Mireji ([email protected]), Sebastian Chahda ([email protected]) and Prof. Ahmed Hassanali ( [email protected]). *CLOSING DATE: September 30, 2016*
