Uganda hosts high level African conference on genomics research

February 3, 2025 in Business, Companies, Science and Technology by Editor

African genetics experts have converged on Kampala for the 15^th edition of the African Society of Human Genetics (AfSHG) conference, which is due to open later today, at the Speke Resort and Convention Centre, Munyonyo.

Hosted jointly by the Entebbe based Medical Research Company/Uganda Virus Research Institute MRC/UVRI, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) Uganda Research Unit, in collaboration with Makerere University, the event will also double as the 1^st Uganda Society for Human Genetics and Bioinformatics (USHGB) conference.

Running from 3rd to 7th February, 2025 under the theme “Harnessing Data Science and Artificial Intelligence for African Genomics,” the event will bring together more than 300 leading scientists, policymakers, and industry experts from across Africa and the international community to reinforce and build new partnerships that promise to redefine the future of genomics research in Africa.

In comments ahead of the conference, Professor Moffat Nyirenda, the Director of the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit observed that building strong and sustainable collaborations held “the key to advancing genomics research in Africa.

“This conference provides a unique opportunity for researchers, institutions, and policymakers to come together and drive innovation through collective expertise and shared resources.”

The conference aims to close the research gap in the largely underexplored field of genomics, 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.

Another highlight of the conference will be 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 genomic 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.

The MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit’s General Population Cohort in southwestern Uganda—home to over 35 years of rich linked data and a diverse study population spanning multiple tribes and nationalities—will serve as a key resource in uncovering the genetic factors behind kidney disease in African populations.

“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,” said Prof. Segun Fatumo, Director of KidneyGenAfrica and Chair of the Conference.

In addition to scientific discussions, the conference will recognise the exceptional contributions in genomics research on the African continent and further facilitate multidisciplinary collaboration through interactive poster presentations, networking sessions, and affiliate society meetings.

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.

The Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Institute/ London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit (MRC/UVRI & LSHTM) is an internationally recognized center of excellence for research and training. Its mission is to conduct high-quality research that adds knowledge and leads to improved control of infectious and non-communicable diseases in Uganda, Africa and globally, through translation of scientific findings into policy and practice, and rigorous research capacity building.