idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
idw - Informationsdienst
Wissenschaft
The inaugural African Plant Genomics Symposium was held as a two-day hybrid event from 10 to 11 April 2025 at the United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) in Nairobi, Kenya. The symposium brought together over 129 delegates from academia, industry, government, and civic society, representing 22 countries.
Led by Dr. Patience Chatukuta, chairperson of the organising committee and group leader at the Max Planck Institute for Biology in Tübingen, the symposium was conceived to highlight research in African plant genomics and build a network of researchers and stakeholders. The event attracted scientists from both Europe and Africa, including a significant number of African scientists currently working outside the continent. Attendees represented 17 countries by institutional affiliation and 22 countries by nationality, including strong representation from 7 and 11 African countries, respectively.
The scientific program featured four plenary speakers (two from Africa), 14 talks by advanced researchers, 10 talks by early career researchers, and seven presentations from industry experts. Two engaging panel discussions and a poster session further enriched the intellectual exchange.
Topics spanned fundamental plant genomic research, the development of essential infrastructure and resources, and critical legal, ethical, and social considerations within the field.
Beyond the formal sessions, the symposium provided ample networking opportunities through teas, lunches, a gala dinner, and a cocktail evening, promoting networking among attendees.
A wide range of institutions participated, including universities, public and private research institutes, lab technology companies, and non-governmental organisations, representing disciplines such as genomics, molecular biology, crop science, breeding, conservation, and bioethics.
Feedback was highly positive, and participants strongly supported continuing the initiative, prompting the launch of the African Plant Genomics Network (APGN) and plans to form a formal society and organise a follow-up symposium in 2027. The symposium marked a significant step in advancing plant genomics collaboration and capacity in Africa.
The symposium received primary sponsorship from Prof. Dr. Detlef Weigel, Director of the Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, through his Novozymes 2020 Prize. Substantial logistical and administrative support was provided by six key partner institutions, including the Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen. Several leading companies and scientific organisations generously provided additional financial contributions.
To learn more, as well as see event photos, please visit the Plant Genomics Africa website: https://plantgenomicsafrica.org/.
African Plant Genomics, Max Planck Departmental Group Leader
Dr. Patience Chatukuta
patience.chatukuta@tuebingen.mpg.de
Press Officer
Beatriz Lucas
presse-bio@tuebingen.mpg.de
https://www.bio.mpg.de/469526/news_publication_24837742_transferred
https://plantgenomicsafrica.org/
https://www.bio.mpg.de/329097/african-plant-genomics
First African Plant Genomics Symposium lays foundation for future scientific growth
plantgenomicsafrica.org
plantgenomicsafrica.org
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