Scientists convene in Kampala to discuss how to enhance genomics research in Africa.
Drake Nyamugabwa
The 15th African Society of Human Genetics (AfSHG) and the 1st Ugandan Society of Human Genetics Conference has kicked off in Kampala, hosted by The Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Institute/ London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit (MRC/UVRI and LSHTM) in collaboration with Makerere University.
The 5-day conference that opened on the 3rd through the 7th of February 2025 at Speke Resort Munyonyo will according to the organizers has attract over 300 leading scientists, policymakers, and industry experts from across Africa and the international community to discuss how to reinforce and build new partnerships that redefine the future of genomics research in Africa.
The theme of the conference is “Harnessing Data Science and Artificial Intelligence for African Genomics,”
During the conference, a new project called “KidneyGenAfrica” will also be launched aimed at delivering research and training excellence in genomics of kidney disease on the continent by bringing together academic and research institutions from Africa, Europe and the United States.
Prof. Segun Fatumo, Director of Kidney GenAfrica and Chair of the Conference during the opening of the conference on Monday said that "This conference is more than an exchange of ideas; it is a call to action for scientists, policymakers and industry experts to harness artificial intelligence to unlock Africa’s genomic potential and drive medical treatments that are effective for everyone irrespective of their ethnic background”
Professor Moffat Nyirenda, Director of the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit said that the conference seeks to close the research gap by fostering strategic partnerships and the adoption of verifiable data-driven approaches to addressing health challenges.
“The key to advancing genomics research in Africa lies in building strong, sustainable collaborations. This conference provides a unique opportunity for researchers, institutions, and policymakers to come together and drive innovation through collective expertise and shared resources” he said
According tp the organisers the event will feature high-impact discussions on: genomic insights into rare and common diseases to improve early diagnosis and precision medicine; ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI) of genomics research, emphasizing equitable data governance and African-led policies; AI and data science in genomics, unlocking new possibilities in disease prediction and drug development, and; strengthening research networks to accelerate discoveries tailored to African populations.
Vice Chancellor Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe said “Collaboration is extremely important… we must invest in sequencing centres and genomics research. Investing in genomics training is key!"
During the opening of the conference
The conference will also mark the inauguration of the Uganda Society for Human Genetics and Bioinformatics (USHGB), comprised of early to mid-career genomics research experts aimed at strengthening local expertise through mentorship and fostering regional collaborations in genomic and bioinformatics research.
The AfSHG was founded in 2003 with the aim of equipping the African scientific community and policy-makers with information and practical knowledge to contribute to the field of genomics research and to attract global attention to the efforts of African scientists.
