GISAID has played an important role since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. GISAID Academy will advance pathogen genomic surveillance and build response capacity in the region.
"With the establishment of GISAID Academy, Indonesia continues to build resilience and response to outbreaks by utilizing the existing health ecosystem," Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin noted in a written statement from the Ministry of Health in Jakarta, Wednesday.
The minister remarked that the establishment of GISAID Academy emphasized the Ministry of Health's contribution to global health security. The establishment of the academy also marks the ministry's ongoing collaboration with GISAID that has entered a new phase.
"In addition, GISAID Academy paves the way for greater multi-sector engagement and growth opportunities in the field of genomics, including its wider application in the field of precision medicine," he stated.
President of GISAID Peter Bogner explained that GISAID Academy introduces a carefully designed curriculum throughout the year.
Bogner remarked that the curriculum consists of various courses starting from vocational training on basic PCR technique to Next Generation Sequencing to prepare for advanced bioinformatics training.
"The model of continuous learning and collaboration made the GISAID Academy as an important international resource, emphasizing fair access to scientific knowledge built on transparent data sharing," he stated.
GISAID Academy will be located within the United In Diversity (UID) Campus in Bali. Inspired by the Balinese tradition, Tri Hita Karana, the UID Bali campus presents social, environmental, and spiritual harmony while providing high-tech learning facilities in a scenic setting.
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Translator: Sean Muhamad, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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