KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program 2023 – Kilifi, Kenya

KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program 2023 – Kilifi, Kenya

When is Application Deadline?

24th October 2022

What is the Award?

Mendelian randomization uses genetic variants as instrumental variables to test the causal effect of a (non-genetic) risk factor on a disease or health-related outcome. This five-day workshop aims to provide an overview of epidemiological study designs and cutting-edge genetic epidemiological methods commonly used in medical and public health research before focusing on the concept, assumptions, strengths and limitations of Mendelian randomization. There will also be time for networking and for participants to share their work.

By the end of the workshop participants should be  able to:

• Understand the design and framework of a Mendelian randomization study;
• Describe the principles and assumptions of instrumental variable analyses;
• Discuss properties of genetic variants that make them valid instrumental variables;
• Explain the strengths and limitations of one-sample and two-sample Mendelian randomization for addressing population health causal questions;
• Conduct a one-sample and two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis;
• Conduct and describe sensitivity analyses to test for potential violation of the key assumptions of Mendelian randomization; and
• Critically appraise Mendelian randomization papers and analyses
• Conduct and understand challenges of Mendelian randomization approach to molecular traits and drug targets.

Where will Award Take Place?

Onsite, Mnarani Club, Kilifi, Kenya

What Type of Award is This?

Workshop

Who is Eligible?

Open to all applicants living in Africa

How are Applicants Selected?

The workshop is intended for anyone who wants to be able to undertake Mendelian randomization analyses. Participants are not required to have prior experience in using Mendelian randomization or in conducting genetic studies such as genome-wide association studies. However, participants should know about causal inference techniques and be working on questions around causal population health. Participants should have knowledge and skills in statistical analysis and have experience running analyses in R.

What is the Benefit of Award?

November 14, 2022 – November 18, 2022 

This 5-day workshop will be conducted at the Mnarani Club in Kilifi, Kenya. The workshop will consist of lectures, discussions, small group work, individual tasks, and computer practical activities. Participants will also be provided with further reading material.

How to Apply:

Apply below.

Goodluck!

Visit Award Webpage for Details