Pre-Conference Courses
Pre-conference Course on Introduction to Genetic Biocontrol Technologies
2nd Congress Global Congress on New and Emerging Genetic Biocontrol Technologies, Mensvic Hotel, Accra, Ghana
Date: March 17-18, 2025
Pre-conference Course on Introduction to Genetic Biocontrol Technologies
Course Planners: Prof Charles Mbogo and Dr Ivan Romushwana
Venue: K. Ntiamoah Hall
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.
Pre-conference Course on the Principles & practices of biosafety and biosecurity for high containment facilities
2nd Congress Global Congress on New and Emerging Genetic Biocontrol Technologies, Mensvic Hotel, Accra, Ghana
Date: March 17-18, 2025
Pre-conference Course on the Principles & practices of biosafety and biosecurity for high containment facilities
Course Planners: Claus Schweinheim and Larbi Baassi
Venue: WK Omari Hall
About the Course:
This course is designed to provide learners with foundational knowledge in laboratory biosafety and biosecurity principles and practices, focusing on high containment facilities. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of biorisk management, including national and international biosafety regulations, compliance requirements, and best practices for operating BSL-1/BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratories. The course will also cover the development and testing of gene drive technologies in arthropod containment facilities, emergency response programs, and strategies for maintaining safe facilities in Africa.
Topics to be discussed:
- Principles and practices of laboratory biosafety and biosecurity.
- National and international biosafety regulations.
- Laboratory biorisk management system and emergency response program.
- Requirements for analytic/research BSL-3 laboratories.
- Arthropod Containment facilities for gene drive technologies.
WHO CAN APPLY:
The course is open to African postgraduates, scientists in biology and social sciences, policymakers, and other professionals interested in biosafety and biosecurity.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
Candidates will be selected based on their credentials, level of interest, and career development aspirations.
Pre-conference Course on communicating the uncertainties associated with emerging biotechnologies
2nd Congress Global Congress on New and Emerging Genetic Biocontrol Technologies, Mensvic Hotel, Accra, Ghana
Date: March 17-18, 2025
Pre-conference Course on communicating the uncertainties associated with emerging biotechnologies
Course Planners: Andrew Kiggundu, Gloria Ogbaki and Caroline Thuo
Venue: Che Yong Hall
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?
- Identifying Biosafety concerns
- Developing Message Maps
- Effective media interviews
- Ethics of Media reporting
- 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.
Pre-conference Course on Environmental considerations for genetic biocontrol
2nd Congress Global Congress on New and Emerging Genetic Biocontrol Technologies, Mensvic Hotel, Accra, Ghana
Date: March 17-18, 2025
Pre-conference Course on Environmental considerations for genetic biocontrol
Course Planners: Nick Oguge and Thato Mogapi
Venue: Goto Hall
About the Course:
This workshop is designed to provide scientists, researchers, and policymakers with a comprehensive understanding of the environmental considerations associated with genetic biocontrol technologies. Participants will explore the potential ecological impacts of genetic biocontrol interventions, including gene drives, and discuss strategies for minimizing negative effects while enhancing positive outcomes. The course will emphasize critical thinking about ecological interactions, risk assessment, and sustainable practices in the development and deployment of genetic biocontrol solutions.
Topics to be discussed:
- Introduction to Genetic Biocontrol Technologies.
- Ecological Risk Assessment.
- Examination of real-world examples where genetic biocontrol technologies have been applied, including successes and challenges.
- Environmental Monitoring and Management.
- Sustainable Practices.
- Regulatory and Ethical Considerations.
WHO CAN APPLY:
The course is open to African postgraduates, scientists specializing in biology and environmental science, policymakers, and other professionals interested in the environmental aspects of genetic biocontrol technologies.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
Candidates will be selected based on their academic and professional credentials, demonstrated interest in environmental considerations, and career development aspirations.
Pre-conference Course on Regulatory frameworks and decision-making processes for emerging biotechnologies
2nd Congress Global Congress on New and Emerging Genetic Biocontrol Technologies, Mensvic Hotel, Accra, Ghana
Date: March 17-18, 2025
Pre-conference Course on Regulatory frameworks and decision-making processes for emerging biotechnologies
Course Planners: Prof Dorington Ogoyi and Eric Okoree
Venue: Afua Amenuah Hall
About the Course:
This workshop aims to equip scientists, policymakers, and professionals with a thorough understanding of the regulatory frameworks and decision-making processes that govern emerging biotechnologies. Participants will delve into the complexities of regulatory systems, explore case studies of biotechnology regulation, and discuss best practices for navigating the regulatory landscape. The course will provide insights into how regulations are shaped, how decision-making processes work, and how to effectively engage with regulatory bodies and stakeholders.
Topics to be discussed:
- Introduction to Regulatory Frameworks.
- Regulatory Processes.
- Analysis of regulatory challenges and successes in the field of emerging biotechnologies.
- Principles and practices for assessing and managing risks associated with new biotechnologies.
- Strategies for influencing policy and engaging with policymakers to shape regulatory frameworks.
- Examining the ethical and social dimensions that impact regulatory decisions and public acceptance.
WHO CAN APPLY:
The course is open to African postgraduates, scientists, policy makers, regulatory affairs professionals, and other stakeholders involved in the regulation and oversight of emerging biotechnologies.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
Candidates will be selected based on their academic and professional credentials, demonstrated interest in regulatory affairs, and career development aspirations.
Pre-conference Course on the Role and responsibilities of Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs)
2nd Congress Global Congress on New and Emerging Genetic Biocontrol Technologies, Mensvic Hotel, Accra, Ghana
Date: March 17-18, 2025
Pre-conference Course on the Role and responsibilities of Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs)
Course Planners: Charles Quaye and Lina Finda
Venue: Mensah Hall
About the Course:
This workshop is designed to provide a deep dive into the role and responsibilities of Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs) in managing and overseeing biosafety in research institutions. Participants will gain insights into the essential functions of IBCs, explore best practices for biosafety management, and understand the challenges and opportunities in maintaining effective biosafety oversight. The course will also cover regulatory requirements, ethical considerations, and strategies for improving biosafety practices within institutions.
Topics to be discussed:
- Introduction to Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs).
- Legal Regulatory Requirements for IBCs in compliance.
- Biosafety Risk assessment techniques biosafety risks in research activities.
- Case study examination of successes, challenges, and lessons learned.
- Ethical dimensions of biosafety and the role of IBCs in ensuring ethical research practices.
- Strategies for effective biosafety management.
WHO CAN APPLY:
The course is open to African postgraduates, scientists, biosafety officers, members of IBCs, and other professionals involved in biosafety management and oversight.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
Candidates will be selected based on their academic and professional credentials, interest in biosafety, and career development aspirations.
Pre-conference Course: Disease Detection and Biosurveillance
2nd Congress Global Congress on New and Emerging Genetic Biocontrol Technologies, Mensvic Hotel, Accra, Ghana
Date: March 17-18, 2025
Pre-conference Course: Disease Detection and Biosurveillance
Course Planners: Hussein Akballo and Agha Ukpai
Venue: Swems Hall
About the Course:
This workshop is aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of disease detection and biosurveillance methods, emphasizing the latest advancements and best practices in monitoring and responding to disease outbreaks. Participants will explore various detection techniques, data analysis methods, and biosurveillance systems, and discuss strategies for improving disease monitoring at local, regional, and global levels. The course will also address challenges and innovations in biosurveillance, with a focus on enhancing public health responses.
Topics to be discussed:
- Introduction to disease detection.
- Biosurveillance systems.
- Data collection and analysis for detection and tracking disease outbreaks.
- Public Health response strategies to inform public health interventions and policy decisions.
- Emerging technologies in disease detection and biosurveillance.
WHO CAN APPLY:
The course is open to African postgraduates, scientists, epidemiologists, public health professionals, and other individuals interested in advancing disease detection and biosurveillance techniques.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
Candidates will be selected based on their academic and professional credentials, demonstrated interest in disease detection and biosurveillance, and career development aspirations.
Pre-conference Course on Cyberbiosecurity best practices for academic and research institutions
2nd Congress Global Congress on New and Emerging Genetic Biocontrol Technologies, Mensvic Hotel, Accra, Ghana
Date: March 17-18, 2025
Pre-conference Course on Cyberbiosecurity best practices for academic and research institutions
Course Planners: Martin Bundi and Cyrus Tareh
Venue: Akiyo Kato Hall
About the Course:
This workshop is tailored for professionals and researchers in academic and research institutions who are involved in genetic biocontrol and related fields. It aims to enhance understanding and implementation of cyberbiosecurity measures to protect sensitive biological data and research from cyber threats. Led by specialists in cybersecurity and bioinformatics, this course provides a comprehensive guide to securing biological data and research infrastructure against cyber threats.
Topics to be discussed:
- Introduction to cyberbiosecurity.
- Common Cyber threats to biological research.
- Best practices for data protection.
- Secure data management strategies.
- Policy development for effective cyberbiosecurity.
- Incident response and recovery.
WHO CAN APPLY:
The course is open to researchers, IT professionals, data managers, and administrators in academic and research institutions. No prior expertise in cybersecurity is required, but a background in bioinformatics, biology, or IT is beneficial.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
Candidates will be selected based on their academic and professional credentials, demonstrated interest in cyberbiosecurity, and career development aspirations.
Pre-conference Course on bioethics and approval requirements for genetic biocontrol research and application.
2nd Global Congress on New and Emerging Genetic Biocontrol Technologies, Mensvic Hotel, Accra, Ghana
Preconference Course (Ref: GenBio009/2025)
Date: March 17-18, 2025
Pre-conference Course on bioethics and approval requirements for genetic biocontrol research and application.
THEME: Enhancing Ethics in Genetic Biocontrol Research and Application
Course Planners: Simon Langat and Noel Rouamba
Venue: TBC
About the Course:
The aim of the course is to equip participants with the knowledge of what needs to be done to ensure ethical conduct in genetic biocontrol from research to the field implementation of new methods in biocontrol. Participants will be taken through relevant topics on what constitutes ethical requirements and discussions from actual experiences of ethics review in Africa
Topics to be discussed:
- Introduction to the ethics of genetic biocontrol
- The role of institutional ethics review committees in genetic biocontrol
- Ethics of community engagement in genetic biocontrol
- Legal and regulatory requirements for ethical genetic biocontrol
- Ethical considerations during decision-making process in the development and application of genetic biocontrol
WHO CAN APPLY:
The course targets researchers, scientists, regulators, members of research ethics committees, institutional review boards, institutional biosafety committee members, postgraduate students, other professionals and stakeholders in genetic biocontrol.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
Candidates will be selected based on their academic and professional credentials, demonstrated interest and career development aspirations