Infokiri

To:

National Focal Points for Microbiology

National Focal Points for Surveillance

National Focal Points for Vaccine preventable diseases

Operational Contact Points for Bioinformatics

Operational Contact Points for Meningococcal disease (Microbiology & Surveillance)

Operational Contact Points for Neisseria Meningitidis Isolate (Microbiology & Epidemiology)

Operational Contact Points for Pertussis (Microbiology & Epidemiology)

Operational Contact Points for Diphtheria (Microbiology & Epidemiology)

CC:

National Focal Points for Training, National Coordinators of ECDC Coordinating Competent Bodies

Dear colleagues,

This is a kind reminder, following the email which was sent out on 6 December 2024, to complete the nomination process for the 2-week exchange visit as part of our training programme in genomic epidemiology and public health bioinformatics (GenEpi-BioTrain):

As part of the GenEpi-BioTrain programme wave 4 (VPIs) (N. meningitidis, B. pertussis, C. diphtheria), we are happy to offer five spots for a bioinformatician for a 2-week exchange visit. The exchange visits will take place from 17 - 28 March 2025 at Institut Pasteur (IP) in Paris, France.

The exchange visits are targeting bioinformaticians who already have some experience with WGS data analysis. Potential candidates are encouraged to bring their own datasets which will be then analysed together with the trainers. In addition, they should briefly describe their learning needs and training wishes related to VPI surveillance.

To apply, potential candidates should complete the following survey by providing their contact details, a brief CV, and a paragraph describing learning needs and training wishes related to VPI surveillance. The survey also includes inquiries about their current bioinformatics skills. Additionally, the National Focal Point for Microbiology (NMFP) should provide a short document (Word or PDF) justifying the selection of this individual for the training and how the host institute can benefit from their participation. The potential candidate can attach this document within the survey before submission. NMFPs can nominate up to two candidates per country for the exchange visit.

Link: Nomination Two_week_exchange_visit_Pasteur 

We suggest that National Focal Points for Microbiology take the lead in the nomination process and coordinate with the other NFPs.

ECDC will then select candidates that best match the criteria to participate in the exchange visit. Please bear in mind, that as there is a limited number of participants, nominating individuals does not guarantee their participation in the training.

Of note: there will be no costs for training participants or countries, all costs for training, per diem, accommodation and travel arrangements will be covered. 

The deadline for nominations is this week 17^th January 2025, EOB.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].

Best regards,

the ECDC Microbiology & GenEpi-BioTrain teams

To:

National Focal Points for Microbiology

National Focal Points for Surveillance

National Focal Points for Vaccine preventable diseases

Operational Contact Points for Bioinformatics

Operational Contact Points for Meningococcal disease (Microbiology & Surveillance)

Operational Contact Points for Neisseria Meningitidis Isolate (Microbiology & Epidemiology)

Operational Contact Points for Pertussis (Microbiology & Epidemiology)

Operational Contact Points for Diphtheria (Microbiology & Epidemiology)

CC:

National Focal Points for Training, National Coordinators of ECDC Coordinating Competent Bodies

Dear colleagues,

As part of the GenEpi-BioTrain programme wave 4 (VPIs) (N. meningitidis, B. pertussis, C. diphtheria), we are happy to offer five spots for a bioinformatician for a 2-week exchange visit. The exchange visits will take place from 17 - 28 March 2025 at Institut Pasteur (IP) in Paris, France.

The exchange visits are targeting bioinformaticians who already have some experience with WGS data analysis. Potential candidates are encouraged to bring their own datasets which will be then analysed together with the trainers. In addition, they should briefly describe their learning needs and training wishes related to VPI surveillance.

To apply, potential candidates should complete the following survey by providing their contact details, a brief CV, and a paragraph describing learning needs and training wishes related to VPI surveillance. The survey also includes inquiries about their current bioinformatics skills. Additionally, the National Focal Point for Microbiology (NMFP) should provide a short document (Word or PDF) justifying the selection of this individual for the training and how the host institute can benefit from their participation. The potential candidate can attach this document within the survey before submission. NMFPs can nominate up to two candidates per country for the exchange visit.

Link: Nomination Two_week_exchange_visit_Pasteur 

We suggest that National Focal Points for Microbiology take the lead in the nomination process and coordinate with the other NFPs.

ECDC will then select candidates that best match the criteria to participate in the exchange visit. Please bear in mind, that as there is a limited number of participants, nominating individuals does not guarantee their participation in the training.

Of note: there will be no costs for training participants or countries, all costs for training, per diem, accommodation and travel arrangements will be covered. 

When selecting nominees, the following should apply: 

• Nominees must currently be employed in the public health sector in one of the EU/EEA countries and their work should include tasks to actively apply skills acquired as part of the training. 

• Nominees should be selected by the NFPs in an effort to ensure maximum impact of the training on the public health sector they serve, taking into consideration:

• their projected period of implementation of skills at the institute

• possibilities of cascading training nationally

• direct use of the acquired skills

The deadline for nominations is 17^th January 2025, EOB. There will be no extension of the deadline.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].

Best regards,

the ECDC Microbiology & GenEpi-BioTrain teams