# Bioinformatics Hub of Kenya

This is a template for you to summarize your OLS journey so far and the project you worked on during the entire period of OLS-1.

Example they can draw from: https://openlifesci.org/posts/2019/10/21/culture-track

## Project background
Bioinformatics Hub of Kenya(BHK) represents an entity that can develop and manage training in bioinformatics and computational biology and a space in which research in bioinformatics is practiced.
The aims of the BHK are to perform research, training and support in bioinformatics in a vibrant environment that fosters research excellence, facilitating the immersive engagement of advanced bioinformaticians and upcoming bioinformaticians with computational and data intensive activities in biology and the life sciences, and promoting the discipline of bioinformatics in Kenya.
To bridge the gap between well established and aspiring bioinformaticians through training and mentorships so as to provide a pool of qualified bioinformaticians who will focus on innovation and bringing novelty to assigned projects promising quality, integrity, reliability and trust in their services.

## Expectations from this program
_What did you expect or hope to learn from participating in OLS?_
Our expectations from the OLS program is to successfully come up with a Bioinformatics Community in Kenya. This will be achieved by learning how to incoperating Open learning aspect in the project and learn how to effectively connect the leadership and members of different calibre. We also expect the program to equip us knowledge and skills sets that will make us effective and efficient OLS ambassadors.

## Goals set at the beginning of the project
_Missions and goals set in the beginning of your project in OLS_

Our main goal in this project was to learn how to build build a bioinformatics community within the leadership. We also aimed to be mentored on how to lead the community through various activities and projects.

Our second goal was also to learn more about openness in research which we really got in this programme.

We also aimed on learning about inclusivity - how we can be able to reach out a good number of bionformatics researchers in the community to be part of us.

## Key understanding and accomplishments
_List 2-3 things you've learned or accomplished whilst participating._

In the OLS mentorsship program we managed to develop a deeper understanding of how to build an open community. This enabled us to develop a contribution guideline for members of the community and other interested external contributors.

We also understood how to take leadership roles in the mantle and buid a good value exchange pack for the members of the hub.

Our key accomplishment during this period, we managed to launch the Bionformatics Hub of Kenya Initiative (BHKi) and recruited interested members. We had scheduled our first meet up to discuss how to build our community further but this was messed up by the Covid19 pandemic. We are hopeful to move forward with our agenda and buiding a great community.

## The main goals achieved in this project
_Was this the same as goals above, that you originally set?_

As mentioned above about our primary goals, we have started to achieve building a bioinformatics community. We launched a Bioinformatics hub of Kenya earlier this year (February).

Moving forward as a community, we will be able to learn more about openness in research and also learn about inclusivity among members.

### The initial steps
_Starting out - what did you do to explore the problems / project?_

Because this idea was religiously motivated by young upcoming bioinformaticians. We started by recruiting a steering committee (SC) that is committed to driving the goals and vision of the hub. This SC was not going to be able to work efficiently without advisors and mentors. We were inspired to apply for this program open life science (OLS) to get mentorship. We also had to recruit advisory members who are bioinformaticians in the region.

### What elements helped you get there?
_Discussions, connections made, activities carried out, mentors consulted, other?_

Discussions in meetings were part of the things that help us even plan our launch meeting. In the process, we were able to establish connections with our advisory members who helped support our meeting. Our mentor on top fulfilled a primary role in giving ideas on how to conduct the meeting as well as the plans we have in mind.

## Next steps

### My immediate next step is to...
_Whether you're launching something, bringing someone new in, adding governance, or writing up a project plan or case study - what's happening next?_

To register the hub as a non government organization (NGO) with the government of Kenya.
To hold our first meetup that was postponed indefinitely due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

### Longer term tasks
_What will be the long term goals and sustainability plans - this can also be about starting your project if you did not do that already_

To be establish a financial stability for the hub. We would like to apply for grants that will help in funding all our activities instead of having to solely rely on members' contributions.
To regularly engage our members with activities be it meetups, hacthons, seminars, trainings and what nots.

### Staying connected
_Do you plan to stay in touch with the OLS community or other members? If yes, how do you think you can do that?_

Yes, we do plan to keep the connection alive post OLS. We can do this by collaborating via our GitHub page as well as emails.

## Special mentions and acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge Toby Hodges, our OLS mentor, Dr. Caleb Kipkurui a mentor and for providing financial support, Jean-Baka Domelevo Entfellner, Dr. Daniel Masiga and the entire ICIPE fraternity.