Target audience: Staff/researchers from educational organizations, research organizations and students from Africa wishing to get involved with Plant & Animal DNA barcoding. Sponsors: Consortium for the Barcode of Life (CBOL) in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg, NRF and UK Royal Society Organizers: The University of Johannesburg (Michelle van der Bank & Olivier Maurin) in collaboration with Imperial College London (Vincent Savolainen & Martyn Powell) Date: 1- 10 April 2010 Goals and course structure: The goals of the course are to: (1) transfer knowledge to scientists, researchers, conservationists, administrators/policy markers and students with regard to practical DNA barcoding, and (2) build research grant writing skills of the participants. DNA barcoding course — The course involves introductory lectures to the molecular biology techniques being used, and hands-on laboratory practicals for each student/researcher. A copy of the training course booklet can be downloaded from the web at www.uj.ac.za/botany select tab “TreeBOL Africa”. Scientific grant writing and logframes course — Training will focus on grant writing, using the Logical Framework approach for project design and management (e.g. using previous UK-Africa grants as case studies). The course will use short lectures, hands-on exercises, and role players (i.e. asking the attendees to write 'ghost' logframe matrix, which will be reviewed and marked by all the other attendees acting as a panel). How to apply: The organizers and sponsors of the course invite participants from African countries to apply for travel bursaries. Travel bursaries will be awarded on a competitive basis, availability of funds, geographic representation and gender balance. Registration is limited to 20 participants. Apply by sending your CV and a covering letter describing your reasons for wanting to attend this course, which should include previous involvement in DNA barcoding and/or potential involvement in DNA barcoding in the future to: Michelle van der Bank (mvdbank@uj.ac.za) with the subject heading “Application for Travel Grant”. Closing date: The closing date for applications is 28 February 2010. Successful applicants will be notified by 8 March 2010. Support Provided by a Travel Bursary: * An economy-class round-trip airline ticket from a home airport to Johannesburg * Accommodations for up to 12 nights, arriving on Wednesday, 31 March, and departing on Sunday, 11 April 2010 * Free course registration, which includes ground transportation in Johannesburg and refreshments during the course