Bridging Minds Across Continents

Interview with a doctoral researcher on how a genomics workshop in Zimbabwe laid the groundwork for a new model for North-South scientific collaboration.

MPI for Biology Tübingen doctoral researcher Catarina Lino is part of the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) “From Molecules to Organisms” and conducts her doctoral research in the African Plant Genomics group led by Dr Patience Chatukuta. Her work focuses on developing genomic resources for under-researched African crops - research that recently took her far beyond the lab bench.

In January 2025, Catarina won a competitive grant from the Max Planck Society, which enabled her to travel to the University of Zimbabwe and organize a seven-day, hands-on workshop on plant genome sequencing using Oxford Nanopore Technology. Held in November 2025, the workshop took place within the framework of the ARTEMIS (African Research Talents Experiencing Mentoring in Science) Mentorship programme. ARTEMIS, initiated by the Max Planck Society, supports early-career African researchers by providing mentorship, funding, and international networking opportunities to develop scientific talent and collaboration. It brought together students and researchers from Zimbabwe and across Africa, combining cutting-edge genomics with capacity building and establishing a foundation for long-term collaboration.

In this interview, Catarina reflects on how the Bridging Minds workshop came together, what participants learned, and why experiences like this can be transformative - scientifically and personally - especially during the doctoral phase.

How did this collaboration between the MPI for Biology, the ARTEMIS programme, and the University of Zimbabwe begin?

The collaboration grew out of the Horned Melon Genomics and Breeding project, which was initiated by my doctoral supervisor, Patience Chatukuta, who heads the African Plant Genomics group at the Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen in the Department of Molecular Biology led by Detlef Weigel. Through this project, strong connections were established with the University of Zimbabwe. Later on, we became aware of the ARTEMIS programme, promoted by the Max Planck Society’s Division for International Relations, and immediately saw it as a great opportunity to further strengthen and formalize this collaboration.

Why was it important for you personally to take part in a project focused on scientific capacity building in Africa?

Since the beginning of my doctoral research, building scientific capacity in African countries has been a recurring topic in our group discussions, especially in the context of ongoing structural inequalities. We often talk about structural and ethical challenges in international research, around issues such as material collection, authorship, and decision-making power. Taking part in the Bridging Minds workshop allowed me to actively contribute to more equitable collaborations, which I found both meaningful and highly motivating.

What were the main goals of the Bridging Minds workshop, and how were they achieved?

The main goal was twofold: to accelerate the development of genomic resources for under-researched African crops, and at the same time to train local scientists in cutting-edge genome sequencing technologies—particularly Oxford Nanopore Technology. We combined foundational lectures on plant genome sequencing with more advanced sessions on genome assembly and analysis from guest speakers from our department, as well as hands-on laboratory training, so participants could gain both conceptual understanding and practical experience.

Why did you choose horned melon as the focus of the workshop?

Cucumis metuliferus, or horned melon, is an under-researched opportunity crop. Through the Horned Melon Genomics and Breeding project, which extends beyond this workshop, we aim to sequence diverse horned melon accessions from across Africa. This will help us understand its genetic and phenotypic diversity and ultimately support breeding efforts for improved agronomic traits. It’s a great study system to show how genomics can directly contribute to local agriculture.

How did participants respond, and what was it like working with researchers and students in Zimbabwe?

We felt incredibly welcomed by everyone—from lecturers and research scientists to doctoral, master’s, and undergraduate students. Apart from local students, there were also international students from countries such as Ethiopia, Nigeria, Benin, and Ivory Coast. The workshop programme was co-developed with our collaborators at the University of Zimbabwe‘s Department of Plant Production Sciences and Technologies, ensuring that it was tailored to the specific needs of our participants. The lectures were very well received, and although the hands-on training was limited to 15 participants, the participants were eager to share what they learned with others, which greatly expanded the workshop’s reach. I particularly enjoyed the open discussions after the sessions, where we received candid feedback and could adapt the programme to participants’ needs. The mutual commitment of resources from both the University of Zimbabwe and the Max Planck Society proves that a more balanced model of collaboration, where local and international agendas are equally valued, is highly effective. It really felt like a collaborative effort.

Looking ahead, what impact do you hope this workshop will have, and what are the next steps?

In the long term, local researchers in Zimbabwe are equipped with both the tools and the expertise to conduct plant genome sequencing projects locally, reducing costs and delays associated with outsourcing work abroad. A natural next step would be a follow-up workshop on advanced genome analysis and bioinformatics, which could be held virtually and would require relatively little funding. If resources allow, it would be amazing to turn this into a regular event. Additionally, to build on this progress, we are seeking funding for reagents to scale the sequencing efforts, specifically targeting more under-researched indigenous opportunity crop species. Experiences like this have also reinforced my belief in the value of international collaboration - and shown how impactful such opportunities can be during the doctoral phase, both scientifically and personally