KEMRI-Wellcome Trust 2022 Research Program (Kenya)

Mendelian randomization uses genetic variants as instrumental variables to test the causal effect of a (non-genetic) risk factor on a disease or health-related outcome. This five-day workshop aims to provide an overview of epidemiological study designs and cutting-edge genetic epidemiological methods commonly used in medical and public health research before focusing on the concept, assumptions, strengths and limitations of Mendelian randomization. There will also be time for networking and for participants to share their work.

By the end of the workshop participants should be  able to:

• Understand the design and framework of a Mendelian randomization study;
• Describe the principles and assumptions of instrumental variable analyses;
• Discuss properties of genetic variants that make them valid instrumental variables;
• Explain the strengths and limitations of one-sample and two-sample Mendelian randomization for addressing population health causal questions;
• Conduct a one-sample and two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis;
• Conduct and describe sensitivity analyses to test for potential violation of the key assumptions of Mendelian randomization; and
• Critically appraise Mendelian randomization papers and analyses
• Conduct and understand challenges of Mendelian randomization approach to molecular traits and drug targets.

• Table of Content
• About KEMRI Wellcome Trust
• KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program
• Aim and Benefits of KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program
• Requirements for KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About KEMRI Wellcome Trust

KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program

Aim and Benefits of KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program

This 5-day workshop will be conducted at the Mnarani Club in Kilifi, Kenya. The workshop will consist of lectures, discussions, small group work, individual tasks, and computer practical activities. Participants will also be provided with further reading material.

Requirements for KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program Qualification

The workshop is intended for anyone who wants to be able to undertake Mendelian randomization analyses. Participants are not required to have prior experience in using Mendelian randomization or in conducting genetic studies such as genome-wide association studies. However, participants should know about causal inference techniques and be working on questions around causal population health. Participants should have knowledge and skills in statistical analysis and have experience running analyses in R.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit KEMRI-Wellcome Trust website.