This hands-on session offers a beginner-friendly introduction to metagenomic analysis using the MOTHUR tool within the Galaxy platform. Participants will learn the fundamentals of metagenomics, including how it is used to study microbial community composition, diversity, and functional potential from sequencing data. The workshop will guide attendees through key analysis steps such as quality control of raw reads, OTU clustering, taxonomic classification, and diversity analysis—all within Galaxy’s user-friendly, web-based interface. Designed for those with no prior bioinformatics or coding experience, this session provides both foundational concepts and practical skills to help researchers confidently analyse metagenomic data in their own work.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this workshop you will:
Gain an understanding of metagenomic analysis using Galaxy Australia
Become familiar with the metagenomic tools on Galaxy platform
Trainer: Mike Thang, Senior Bioinformatician, UQ Data Science CRP and Australian BioCommons
Location: Online
Date/Time: 4 November 2026, 10am - 6pm AEDT /9am - 5pm AEST / 9:30 - 5:30pm ACDT / 7am - 3pm AWST (check in your timezone).
Who the workshop is for:
This workshop is designed for students and researchers in the life sciences who are already familiar with the Galaxy platform and want to expand their skills in metagenomic data analysis. It is ideal for those working in microbiology, microbial ecology, environmental genomics, or related fields who wish to enhance their bioinformatics expertise through hands-on practice with metagenomic workflows. Prior experience with Galaxy is recommended, allowing the session to focus on advanced metagenomic techniques, including quality control, OTU/ASV clustering, taxonomic profiling, functional annotation, and diversity analysis using sequencing datasets.
To get involved, you will need an account on Galaxy Australia.
Prior experience using Galaxy or completion of the Introduction to Galaxy workshop is recommended.
How to apply:
This workshop is free but applications are essential.
UQ staff and students: Apply here
All other Australian researchers: Apply here
This workshop is hosted by UQ Data Science CRP and is open to all Australian Researchers as part of a collaboration with Australian BioCommons and the National Bioinformatics Training Cooperative.
This event is part of a series of bioinformatics training events. If you'd like to hear when registrations open for other events, please subscribe to the Australian BioCommons newsletter.