CPGR

Centre for Proteomic & Genomic Research

9/18/2013

Knowledge Transfer Program

KTP

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What is KTP? KTP is a match-making platform that brings together seekers of expertise with providers of knowledge who are willing to transfer it in a project-based fashion.

What problem does KTP tackle? In Africa a shortage of practical skills and relevant expertise is often the primary obstacle to social upliftment and sustainable development. This is particularly problematic in countries that aim to transition from resource-based to knowledge-fuelled economic growth.

The modern life sciences and biotechnology are pillars of socio-economic development in developed nations and seen as catalysts of economic growth in Africa following the examples set by China, India and Brazil. To prosper, these fields are increasingly dependent on the effective interpretation of large and complex sets of data.

The corresponding knowledge rests with experts versed in the use of sophisticated computational tools and advanced statistical methods. In Africa, the relevant skills are not readily available which can delay or entirely compromise biomedical and biotechnology research and development. As a consequence African scientists are forced to import the relevant international expertise to stay on par in the race towards scientific progress, biomedical innovation and sustainable health care.

KTP helps seekers of knowledge overcome the following challenges 1. Identifying an individual with the relevant expertise who is willing and able to make it available. 2. Sourcing/securing funds in resource-limited areas to cover training costs, including travel and

accommodation costs for experts and/or trainees. 3. Sustaining the transfer of knowledge for local long-term retention.

KTP solves these challenges in the following manner 1. KTP provides access to seeker and expert information in a searchable database format , thereby

reducing time and effort spent on matching expertise with project needs. 2. Rather than sending individuals overseas for training, KTP brings together experts willing to relocate

for a limited-time period and share knowledge pro bono. 3. KTP assists in mobilising funding for individual projects. 4. KTP solidifies knowledge transfer through on-the-project training and skills development. 5. KTP amplifies the acquired knowledge by also assisting local trainer developments.

There are 6 key stakeholders involved in KTP Stake Holder Description

Knowledge seeker

Principal Investigator (PI) at a University or Head of Research in a private/public organisation with a need for kills development in a particular project.

Trainee Researcher, student or employee in need of training in a project. A subset of trainees will form a local contingent of African trainers.

Expert Researcher, professional or field application specialist with proven expertise in a relevant area of Computational Biology/Bioinformatics and/or Bio-Statistics.

Advisory Committee

Selected group of researchers and professionals with relevant expertise assembled to safeguard the quality of the expert/seeker/trainee matchmaking process

KTP

Knowledge Transfer Program

September 2013

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Sponsors Public, philanthropic or commercial organisation willing to support KTP in kind or in cash.

How do key stakeholders benefit from KTP? Stake Holder Benefits

Knowledge seeker

Convenient access to available expertise in KTP database Training of project staff to achieve project goals and deliverables Improved quality of outputs and turnaround of project Opportunity for future collaboration with experts

Trainee Access to relevant expertise without the need for relocation Deep learning experience due to direct interaction with expert over a 3-6 month period Practical application of acquired knowledge in a project context Long-term relationship with expert in a mentoring role Opportunity to participate in all trainings organised by KTP

Expert International experience and exposure to Africa-specific challenges Opportunity to share and transfer knowledge Access to unique problems, ideas or data Opportunity to publish or patent Network with fellow experts and expert seekers and build foundation for future collaborations

Advisory committee

Opportunity to collaborate with knowledge seekers and experts Contribution towards social and scientific development in Africa

Sponsors Contribution to training, research and development in Africa Effective spending of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) budgets Marketing & brand development opportunity

What impact can KTP make? Impact is generated in 4 stages of the KTP process:

1. Stage 1: KTP reduces the time it takes to find the expertise required in a project by way of providing seekers access to a wide range of experts in a structured database. Quality of the matchmaking process is guided by an advisory committee who ensure that the best possible experts are linked to relevant projects.

2. Stage 2: Over a period of 3-6 months, a small number of individuals (typically 3) are being trained and mentored by a dedicated expert. During this time, these individuals can apply, test and modify the acquired knowledge, thereby deepening the learning experience. Practical skills are acquired through iterative training/doing cycles.

3. Stage 3: At the end of a KTP project, the expert and trainees make their knowledge available to a larger group of individuals. This is to stimulate further knowledge base development locally and to gauge additional training needs in a systemic fashion, possibly leading to the generation of a new KTP project.

4. Stage 4: Individual KTP trainees are encouraged to become local experts. Initially playing the role of junior experts, they can develop into senior experts by utilising the acquired knowledge practically and in training recipients locally. Eventually, the KTP database will predominantly comprise of African experts.

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KTP networking KTP has relations with the following organisations to support outreach and to enhance impact:

Organisation Description Link EMBNET (European Molecular Biology Network)

Network aimed at enhancing capacity in Bioinformatics worldwide

http://www.embnet.org/

GOBLET (Global Organization for Bioinformatics Learning, Education and Training)

Initiative aimed at coordinating world-wide bioinformatics training activities

http://www.mygoblet.org/

H3ABioNet NIH (National Institutes of Health) initiative to create capacity in Bioinformatics across Africa http://www.h3abionet.org/

How is KTP funded? Funding for individual KTPs will be secured through one of the following means:

1. Cost of individual KTP covered by individual knowledge seeker 2. Sponsorship by private, public or philanthropic organisations 3. Voluntary participation by experts 4. Dedicated grant application

How to access KTP Office Tel: +27 (0) 21 447 5669

Email: ktp@cpgr.org.za

WWW: www.cpgr.org.za

Blog www.cpgr.org.za/blogspot/