This two-half-day training course introduces participants to genomic epidemiology and phylogenetic analysis of Brucella spp. using a realistic One Health scenario, and it explores the application of combined genomic and epidemiological data for outbreak investigations. Through guided analysis of Brucella spp. genomes, participants will evaluate the genomic diversity within the genus and gain practical skills for interpreting results from taxonomic analysis and typing, reading phylogenetic trees and assessing outbreak clusters. Importantly, participants will integrate metadata and epidemiological data with the genomic results, to infer outbreak sources and transmission dynamics.

The course includes a simulation exercise to reinforce practical understanding.

 Dates: 19 and 26 January 2026. 

 Duration: Two half-days 09:00-12:30 CET. 

Location: Online - Find the link after enrolment. 

Audience: Public health microbiologists, epidemiologists and clinicians with basic bioinformatics skills, as well as bioinformaticians interested in learning about outbreak investigation of Brucellosis in a One Health context.

Objectives:  

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the biological diversity within the Brucella genus and its significance within the One Health context.
2. Perform taxonomic analysis and typing using simple bioinformatics tools.
3. Explain the principles of SNP-based phylogenetic analysis and its role in outbreak investigation.
4. Analyse and interpret SNP matrices and maximum parsimony trees.
5. Perform SNP-based phylogenetic analysis using simple bioinformatics tools.
6. Understand the principles behind epidemiological investigations.
7. Create epidemiological curves and generate a hypothesis.
8. Integrate genomic and epidemiological data for hypothesis generation including outbreak sources and transmission.
9. Evaluate the limitations and strengths of genomic approaches in zoonotic disease surveillance.
10. Understand the value of the One Health approach for real-world applications.

Participation: This course is open for public enrolment.