The first Uganda Society for Human Genetics and Bioinformatics (USHGB) conference hosted alongside the 15th African Society of Human Genetics (AfSHG) has attracted over 300 scientists, and policymakers from the globe.
Hosted under the theme: Harnessing Data Science and Artificial Intelligence for African Genomics, the conference running between February 3 and 7, at Munyonyo, will see experts discuss, reinforce, and build new partnerships that redefine the future of genomics research in Africa.
Professor Moffat Nyirenda, Director of Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI and LSHTM) Uganda Research Unit the event host, said that This conference provides a unique opportunity for researchers, institutions, and policymakers to come together and drive innovation through collective expertise and shared resources.
“The key to advancing genomics research in Africa lies in building strong, sustainable collaborations,” he said in a press statement.
With genomics still an underexplored field in Africa, this conference, he said seeks to close the research gap by fostering strategic partnerships and the adoption of verifiable data-driven approaches to addressing health challenges.
“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,” he said.
He added that the conference will mark the inauguration of the Uganda Society for Human Genetics and Bioinformatics (USHGB).
Comprised of early to mid-career genomics research experts, this initiative will work towards strengthening local expertise through mentorship and fostering regional collaborations in genomics and bioinformatics research.
A new project ‘KidneyGenAfrica’ will also be launched during the convening, a cross-African partnership 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.
KidneyGenAfrica is well-positioned to address key capacity gaps in Africa by building a critical mass of expertise and resources for large-scale genomic analysis including contributing to the improved diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of kidney disease.
