With a crescendo of knowledge and innovation, the final day of the #PHA4GECon23 left attendees inspired and empowered. From training initiatives to insightful working group sessions, here’s a glimpse into the dynamic events that unfolded.

Empowering Through Training & Curriculum Development

The morning commenced with a burst of energy as Alice Matimba from Wellcome Connecting Science, Nicola Mulder from UCT Computational Biology Division/NGS Academy, and Paul Pronyk from SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute took the stage. Their presentations illuminated the critical role of training and curriculum development in advancing pathogen genomics. From equipping the workforce with essential skills to fostering a culture of continuous learning, these initiatives are poised to revolutionize global health equity.

PHA4GE Working Group Sessions: Collaborative Endeavours for Progress

Attendees then dispersed into dynamic working group sessions, each focused on a pivotal aspect of pathogen genomics:

• Data Structures: Facilitated by Emma Griffiths and Finlay MaGuire, participants explored innovative approaches to organizing and managing pathogen genomic data.
• Infrastructure: Under the guidance of Peter van Heusden and Daniel Park, discussions revolved around building robust infrastructure to support pathogen genomics initiatives.
• Bioinformatics Pipelines and Visualization: Led by Gültekin Ünal and Kevin Libuit, attendees delved into the development of bioinformatics pipelines and visualization tools for pathogen genomic analysis.
• Training and Workforce Development: Duncan MacCannell, Nicola Mulder and Kirsty Lee Garson spearheaded discussions on strategies for training and developing a skilled workforce in pathogen genomics.
• Ethics and Data Sharing: Nicki Tiffin and Anja Bedeker facilitated conversations on ethical considerations and best practices for data sharing in pathogen genomics research.

These collaborative sessions epitomized the spirit of cooperation and collective problem-solving that defines the #PHA4GECon community.

Illuminating Keynote Address by Dr. Torsten Semmler

Dr. Torsten Semmler, Head of the Genome Competence Center at the Robert Koch Institute in Germany, captivated audiences with his keynote presentation. Delving into the evolution of bacteria and molecular mechanisms driving the spread of antimicrobial resistances, Dr. Semmler shed light on pressing challenges and promising avenues for research in pathogen genomics.

Closing Remarks and Reflections

As the conference drew to a close, Dr. Duncan MacCannell from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USA) took the stage to deliver closing remarks. Reflecting on the origins of #PHA4GECon and its journey thus far, Dr. MacCannell underscored the transformative impact of collective efforts in advancing global health equity through pathogen genomics.

In the wake of #PHA4GECon, attendees departed with a renewed sense of purpose and camaraderie, equipped with knowledge and inspiration to drive positive change in the realm of pathogen genomics. As the torchbearers of progress, they stand poised to shape a healthier, more equitable future for generations to come.

Videos for Day 3 can be accessed here