The Institute of Bioinformatics and Molecular Therapeutics (IBMT) is revolutionizing biomedical research by providing world-class training and scholarship opportunities to outstanding students and researchers. Founded by Mr. Toheeb Balogun, an expert in drug discovery, biophysics, and computational biology who also serves as the institute’s Director of Training and Research, IBMT is committed to equipping students and researchers with cutting-edge computational techniques to address pressing health challenges, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria.
A hallmark of IBMT’s mission is its scholarship program, designed to promote accessibility to resources and training in computational science techniques to address unmet medical needs. IBMT scholarship applications attracted over 100 applications, but only the most outstanding candidates are awarded full or partial scholarships. Recipients are selected based on their academic achievements, research potential, financial need and dedication to advancing biomedical research. These scholarships have enabled these students and researchers to gain hands-on experience with sophisticated software and resources, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to global health research.
Some of the IBMT’s scholarships beneficiaries have acknowledged and appreciated IBMT in advancing their scientific journeys. Adediji Ayomide Olamide, a beneficiary, shared on LinkedIn:
“I will like to appreciate the Institute of Bioinformatics and Molecular Therapeutics (IBMT) for this opportunity. In the coming Training, I’ll be learning in the area ofimmunobioinformatics. I’m particularly happy because it is coming from a competent organization – Institute of Bioinformatics and Molecular Therapeutics. I attended their past trainings on molecular docking, DFT and others and it was a blast. If you are interested in learning computational skills around the electron cloud of drug discovery, check them out.”
Similarly, Olachi Lilian Osuagwu, another beneficiary, highlighted:
“I want to use this medium to appreciate Institute of Bioinformatics and Molecular Therapeutics (IBMT) for selecting me as one of the beneficiary of their full Scholarship Scheme. After my memorable experience in the Edition 1 workshop on Computational Drug Discovery, covering topics on Molecular Docking, Post docking analysis and Pharmacokinetic Screening , with detailed tutorial videos and softwares and readily available assistance by competent tutors, I was keen to continue my pursuit for more knowledge on Bioinformatics with the Organisation. I therefore, encourage everyone especially young researchers, scientists, Lecturers, Students who are keen to learn more on Bioinformatics, Computer aided Drug Designs and Molecular therapeutics, to key into their workshops. Againthose interested in current scientific research trends, and wish to publish in reputable journals , I greatly advice you to join IBMT workshop programmes.”
The Founder and Director of Research and Training, Mr. Balogun, shared: “IBMT’s mission is to serve as a hub for equipping researchers and students, including undergraduates and postgraduates, with computational tools to accelerate traditionally expensive and time-intensive drug discovery processes. This mission is particularly vital in Africa, where access to advanced techniques is limited, enabling students and researchers to address pressing health challenges effectively.”
Furthermore, another beneficiary, Kehinde Idayat stated on Linkedln as follows:
“I am delighted to receive this offer of a full scholarship by Institute of Bioinformatics & Molecular Therapeutics IBMT to participate in the 2nd edition of the bioinformatics training. Thank you for your consideration. I am excessively grateful.”
The scholarships not only open doors for individual professional growth but also break barriers for accessing scientific resources. For instance, scholarship awardees have access to state-of-the-art software, that would otherwise be inaccessible, and experts led hands-on workshops on various areas such as advanced data analysis, drug discovery, vaccine design and biomolecular simulations.
“Capacity building in science and training young talents is of utmost importance, and IBMT is proud to lead the way in providing access to high-level computational training.“ said Mr. Balogun.
The first IBMT workshop was held in March 2022 which focuses on drug discovery and attracted participants not only from Nigeria but globally. Since then, IBMT has trained over 1000 participants in addition to its scholarship awardees on various techniques for biomedical research. These techniques include but not limited to molecular docking, pharmacokinetics modeling, vaccine design and immunoinformatics, density functional theory, next generation sequencing data analysis.
Workshop attendees, including scholarship recipients, are often grouped into teams based on research interests such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders for scientific research. One team utilized the skills gained at the workshop to identify therapeutic agents from medicinal plants for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Their work was published in a leading scientific journal and presented at an international conference in Qatar, highlighting IBMT’s role in advancing biomedical research globally. The authors acknowledged IBMT’s contribution in their publication:
“Our sincere appreciation goes to the management and directors of IBMT for the hands-on training that birthed this research work.”
At IBMT, Mr. Balogun leads a talented team of scientists, and research fellows including bioinformaticians, immunologist and drug discovery researchers to develop various treatments modalities such as small molecule therapeutics and vaccine candidates for diseases. The institute’s Scientific Advisory Board features esteemed experts like Prof. Sidiqat Shodehinde(an expert with more than a decade of experience in nutraceuticals and drug discovery), Dr. Damilola Omoboyowa(the Director of the Phytomedicine and Computational Biology Research Lab at Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko), Dr. Oluwatoba Oyeneyin – (a leading researcher and expert in computational and physical chemistry), and Dr. Hameed Sodiq(A Marie Curie Doctoral Fellow at the University College Dublin specializing in bioinformatics, and immunology) Theteam also includes research fellows and facilitators such as Christopher Olowosoke, Abdulwasiu Ibrahim, Daniel Ogbonnaya Nwankwo, Prosper Obed Chukwuemeka, NureniIpinloju, Seye Oladeji, and Tope Ibisanmi with expertise spanning immunology, vaccine design, microbiology, drug discovery, structural biology, and bioinformatics. Miss Rachel Torty, a pharmacy graduate, oversees IBMT’s branding and graphic design.
With a dedicated team of experts and a commitment to excellence, IBMT is paving the way for the next generation of scientists. Its efforts are not just about individual success but about building a foundation for sustainable innovation in biomedical sciences. The global health challenges are evolving everyday but institutions like IBMT are ensuring that no talent goes untapped, and no region is left behind.
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