Third Genome Mining Workshop – 2026 Edition
Coordinated by Dr. Nelly Sélem Mojica (Centro de Ciencias Matemáticas, UNAM), this training course is part of a broader initiative to strengthen Latin America's capacity in the genomic exploration of microbial natural products. The workshop builds on previous successful editions held in 2022 and 2024, and now evolves into a year-long program combining virtual collaboration and an intensive in-person workshop hosted at Centro de Investigación en Matemáticas (CIMAT), Guanajuato, México.
The course focuses on biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), which encode the production of bioactive compounds with potential applications in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. Latin America, despite its rich biodiversity and deep traditions in ethnobotany and microbiology, remains underrepresented in global genomic research. This initiative aims to address that gap by training researchers in cutting-edge genome mining techniques, fostering regional collaboration, and promoting ethical bioprospecting practices rooted in environmental justice and community engagement.
Target Audience:
This course is intended for:
- Early-career and postdoctoral researchers
- Advanced graduate students in Latin American institutions
- Participants affiliated with laboratories interested in BGCs
- Selected students in mathematics and bioinformatics, contributing to the interdisciplinary framework
About the Biosynthetic Diversity Latin America Consortium:
A central component of the course is the formation and development of the Biosynthetic Diversity Latin America Consortium—a collaborative network of laboratories across the region. The consortium will:
- Share standardized protocols for environmental sampling and DNA extraction
- Coordinate the collection of microbiome samples from diverse ecosystems
- Facilitate data sharing and joint analysis of genomic and metabolomic datasets
- Promote equitable access to training and resources
- Establish guidelines for ethical and sustainable bioprospecting
This network is designed to empower local scientists to independently assess and explore their microbial biodiversity, fostering long-term partnerships and regional leadership in natural product genomics.
Summary of Contents:
Participants will engage in a structured program that includes:
- Virtual workshops on genome mining, metagenomics, and bioinformatics
- Sampling and isolation of Actinobacteria from 10 Latin American sites
- DNA extraction, sequencing, and metabolomic analysis
- Training in nanopore sequencing and machine learning applications
- Monthly virtual meetings for collaborative data analysis and manuscript preparation
- Community outreach activities to share findings and promote scientific literacy
A one-week in-person workshop in August 2026, integrating hands-on lab sessions and collaborative discussions
Application procedure
Applications will be received via this form
For more information, send your questions to caaguila@tec.mx
Last day to apply: November 30th, 2025.
