First bioinformatics training school for high school students held in Montenegro

Our first free-of-charge training school in bioinformatics, “Bioinforming - Pilot” was held from the 10th to the 14th of January 2022 in Herceg Novi, Montenegro.

Six high school students (five in-person and one online), two trainers and several observers with different backgrounds took part in the event.

The training school covered the basics of bioinformatics with a focus on hands-on experience, allowing participants to gain both theoretical and practical knowledge. The contents were tailored to applicants’ interests and covered: 1) introduction, 2) molecular sequence analysis, 3) molecular phylogenetics, 4) protein structure analysis and 5) protein-ligand interactions. The participants applied their newly acquired knowledge by working together to solve a mystery case.

We also informed the participants about bioinformatics career paths and Erasmus+ mobility opportunities.

This training school was supported by JUSMŠ “Ivan Goran Kovačić” (provided space and necessary equipment), Organization of Montenegrins Studying Abroad (helped to distribute call for applications and preliminary survey), Western Balkans Alumni Association (provided funding) and Superlab d.o.o. (donated flash drives and medical supplies).