African Scientists to Strategize Collaborations on Genome Editing
The conference aims to build partnerships between public research institutions and the private sector on genome editing.
MOMBASA, Kenya - Scientists and other stakeholders from across Africa will meet in Mombasa from October 17-19, 2023 to strengthen collaboration on genome editing projects for agriculture, writes Winston Mwale.
In a remarkable convergence of science, technology, and agriculture, a select assembly of experts, policymakers, and industry leaders will gather in Mombasa, Kenya, from October 17 to 19, 2023.
Their mission?
To spearhead the advancement of genome editing (GEd) in agriculture, under the auspices of the AUDA-NEPAD Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology, and Innovation.
The conference aims to build partnerships between public research institutions and the private sector on genome editing.
Participants will include researchers, government officials and industry experts from Nigeria, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Mozambique and other nations.
They will identify key policy and funding priorities to scale genome editing innovations with the potential to boost food security and agricultural productivity in Africa.
Key topics to be discussed will include:
Building partnerships between public research institutions and the private sector to advance genome editing.
Communication and advocacy strategies to promote understanding and acceptance of genome editing technology.
Intellectual property and commercialization approaches for taking genome editing from lab to market.
Specific genome editing initiatives to improve staple crops like cassava, rice and orphan crops important for food security.
Use of genome editing in livestock to promote disease resistance and productivity.
Creating enabling policies and identifying funding priorities to scale promising genome editing applications.