International Collaboration Takes Center Stage at Quadram–DKU–KNUT Workshop 2026

 

South Korea — A successful two-day joint workshop on genome assembly and bioinformatics brought together leading researchers and scientists from the Quadram Institute (United Kingdom), Dankook University (home to the Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, LIMB), and Korea National University of Transportation (KNUT). Held on March 27–28, 2026, the Quadram–DKU–KNUT Workshop 2026 fostered knowledge exchange, technical training, and discussions on future collaborative research in microbiome science and functional genomics.

Quadram Institute team led by Dr. Arjan Narbad (left).

The workshop commenced on March 27 with a series of scientific talks highlighting cutting-edge research from participating institutions. From the Quadram Institute, Dr. Arjan Narbad opened the session with insights into UK–South Korea partnerships on microbiome research and fermented foods. This was followed by presentations from Dr. Lizbeth Sayavedra, who discussed the pathobiont behavior of Bilophila wadsworthia, Marnie Barham on biofilm-mediated gut colonization by sulfate-reducing Desulfovibrio species, and Lizzi Coy, who explored the effects of fecal filtrates on Clostridioides difficile.

LIMB members led by Dr. Dae-Kyung Kang.

Representing LIMB at Dankook University, Dr. Remilyn Mendoza presented her work on comparative genomics to identify putative antimicrobial-coding genes in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. Additional presentations were delivered by Jae Seung Lee, focusing on lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that alleviate gut leakage under oxidative stress, and Van Aldren Cañas, who discussed the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-like activity of Lactobacillus sakei and its effects on the gut microbiome in mice.

Researchers from KNUT also contributed to the scientific program, including Ho-Jin Lee on the development of functional biomaterials via microbial fermentation, Muhammad Adeel Hasnain on the antimicrobial potential of Cutibacterium acnes phages and endolysins, and Muhammad Sarfaraz, who examined population-specific clade divergence of Segatella copri in colorectal cancer.

Dr. Narbad delivering the open talk about the joint partnership.

Following the talks, the workshop transitioned into an intensive hands-on training session (Part I), led by Dr. Jacob Dehinsilu from the Quadram Institute. The training covered whole-genome sequencing workflows—from Linux basics and read preprocessing to genome assembly, quality evaluation, taxonomic identification, annotation, and pangenome analysis.

On March 28, Workshop Part II continued under the guidance of Dr. Dehinsilu, focusing on metagenomics and equipping participants with practical skills in read preprocessing, taxonomic assignment, and profiling microbial metabolic pathways. A unique component of the training included generating data visualizations using large language models, reflecting the integration of artificial intelligence in bioinformatics workflows.

Dr. Dehinsilu (top) and Dr. Sayavedra (bottom) conducting the whole genome sequencing and metagenomics workshop.

The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session and a collaborative discussion on future research directions, reinforcing the commitment of all participating institutions to strengthen international partnerships in microbiome and bioinformatics research.

The Quadram–DKU–KNUT Workshop 2026 stands as a testament to the power of global collaboration in advancing scientific innovation, providing researchers with both theoretical insights and practical tools to tackle complex challenges in genomics and microbiome science.

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