Bioinformatics is a computer intensive field, and as such, experts in the field tend to post a lot of useful information online. To date there have been thousands if not millions of educational websites and tutorials made accessible to students and researchers worldwide. The challenge is to rapidly locate the relevant resources and understand the highly technical nature of molecular biology and mathematics in some cases. Another shortcoming related to online education is the use of several technologies for storage and representation of information (e.g. PostScript, QuickTime, RealAudio, etc.).

In light of this RSG-SA aims toward identifying the areas of research currently being undertaken by students and researchers in the biosciences and matching these with relevant educational material. The deliverance of educational information both online and in hands-on short courses and tutorials (where possible), will be targeted. Bioinformatics training and development will increase the productivity and long-term goals of the ongoing research in Southern Africa, expanding the horizons of future leaders and creating more skilled researchers in the field.