THEME

Potential of Genetic Biocontrol Technology: From Research to Application

Course Planners: Dave O’brochta and Dorington Ogoyi

ABOUT THE COURSE

This Pre-conference Course is meant for those who desire to understand emerging biotechnologies and potential for vector control in Africa. The course will provide an introduction to the technical, regulatory, ethical and policy aspects of genetic biocontrol products (gene drives, gene editing) from the African context.

Topics to be discussed:

• Biocontrol/Sterile Insect Techniques
• Introduction to genome editing.
• The Basic Science of Gene Drive
• General Risk Assessment, Risk Assessment for Organisms (plants, animals, insects, microbes).
• Risk Assessments for Biological Control
• Risk Assessments for genetic biological Control products.
• Overview of regulatory systems for genetic biocontrol products in Africa.
• Case studies: Risk Assessment and Regulatory Decision Making in Selected African Countries (Burkina Faso, South Africa and Nigeria).
• Pathway for development for malaria vector control and its status.
• Assessment tools for decision making: Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and their applications in biological control.
• Assessment tools for decision making: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and their applications in biological control.
• Institutional Biosafety Committees- Roles and Responsibilities

WHO CAN APPLY

The course is open to African postgraduates, scientists in biology and social science, policy makers and other professionals interested in genetic biocontrol technologies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Candidates will be selected based on their credentials, level of interest, and career development aspirations.

Register

THEME

Role of Biosafety and Biosecurity in response to biological threats

Course Planners: Martin Bundi and Claus Schweinheim

About the Course:

This course) is designed to provide learners with a basic knowledge in laboratory biosafety and biosecurity principles, work practices, and enables them to gain a better overall understanding of biorisk management. The course will cover national and international biosafety regulations, provide necessary information and compliance requirement in workplaces (research and diagnostic laboratories). This will help the learners to recognize hazards/threats and reduce risks (biorisk assessment and mitigation) in BSL-1/BSL-2 laboratories by applying good laboratory biorisk practices and containment principles. This course will also provide learners with an overview of the laboratory biorisk management (BRM) system and emergency response programme. The Workshop will also discuss how countries in Africa could maintain safe laboratories could maintain safe facility. Topics include training for personnel and operation and facility’s maintenance. 

Topics to be discussed:

• Principles and Practices of Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity- Martin Bundi/
• National and International biosafety regulations and compliance requirement in workplaces –
• Overview of the laboratory biorisk management (BRM) system and emergency response programme- Larbi Baassi
• Requirements for analytic/research BSL-3 laboratories and ways to set-up and operate a facility in Africa in close cooperation with local structures- Claus Schweinheim
• Arthropod containment facilities for development and testing of gene drive technologies – Brian Tarimo

WHO CAN APPLY

The course is open to African postgraduates, scientists in biology and social science, policy makers and other professionals interested in genetic biocontrol technologies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Candidates will be selected based on their credentials, level of interest, and career development aspirations.

Register

THEME

Essence of communication in emerging biotechnologies

Course Planners: Andrew Kiggundu and Caroline Thuo

About the Course:

This workshop is aimed to encourage scientists to reflect critically on the social, historical, cultural, and ethical dimensions of science. The Course will provide an opportunity to scientists and researchers to interrogate innovative communication approaches to address gaps in communicating gene drive technologies; explore how to develop key messages and impact of official communications and mainstream and social media in the public exchange of information between scientists (experts), government (policymakers), intermediaries (journalists and social media platforms), and citizens (non-experts and influencers) during development of genetic biocontrol products such as gene drives.

Topics to be discussed:

• The basic science, development of gene drives for vector control and invasive species.
• How are GMOs governed?
• Principles of Risk Communication
• Identifying Biosafety concerns
• Identify key messages.
• Effective media interviews
• Effective outreach to all stakeholders.

WHO CAN APPLY

The course is open to African postgraduates, scientists in biology and social science, policy makers and other professionals interested in genetic biocontrol technologies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Candidates will be selected based on their credentials, level of interest, and career development aspirations.

Register