Edastuskiri

To:

National Focal Points for Microbiology, Observer

National Focal Points for Tuberculosis

Operational Contact Points for Bioinformatics

Operational Contact Points for Tuberculosis (Microbiology)

ERLTB-Net members

CC:

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

Dear colleagues,

As part of the GenEpi-BioTrain programme wave 5 (Tuberculosis), we are happy to offer five spots for a bioinformatician for a 2-week exchange visit. The exchange visits will take place from 16 - 27 March 2026 at Research Center Borstel (RCB) in Germany.

The exchange visits are targeting bioinformaticians who already have some experience with WGS data analysis. Potential candidates should 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 TB 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 Tuberculosis 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_Tuberculosis

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 Friday, 16th January 2026, EOB. We are aware that this is a particularly busy period with the holiday season approaching. If you encounter any difficulties or anticipate delays in submitting your nomination, please let us know in advance so that we can work together to find a suitable solution.

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