As part of the US CDC–EHI commitment to strengthening research capacity at Universitas Hasanuddin (UNHAS) in Makassar, South Sulawesi, a training program on mammalian cell culture and DNA sequencing data analysis was conducted from 29 May to 2 June 2026. This training program aimed to enhance researchers’ ability to detect and characterize emerging arboviruses through hands-on laboratory and bioinformatics training. The cell culture training was delivered by Chairin Nisa Maroef and Ida Yus Sriyani, while Edison Johar led the DNA sequencing data analysis sessions. The cell culture training focused on hands-on pipetting skills and cell culture techniques, while the data analysis sessions focused on sharing DNA sequencing analytical skills.
The program concluded with a seminar titled “The Awareness of Zoonotic and Emerging Diseases,” attended by more than 60 participants both in person and online, including representatives from the South Sulawesi Provincial Health Office, Makassar Health Office, Maros Veterinary Center, and academic institutions. During the seminar, Edison Johar presented “Viruses Isolated from Mosquitoes in Makassar and Neighboring Areas,” highlighting findings from the joint UNHAS–EHI entomovirological surveillance study. The event concluded with final discussions on the training outcomes, further strengthening collaboration between EHI and UNHAS in advancing research on zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases. This training is part of EHI’s mission to strengthen local research capacity and foster scientific collaboration to enhance preparedness and response to emerging infectious disease threats in Indonesia and beyond.
