06Mar 25
Following the success of the fourth edition of Gene Editing: A Short-course for African Bioscience Professionals held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, we organized another in-person course at the end of 2024 de l’ University of Rwanda’s Centre of Excellence in Biomedical Engineering and E-Health (UR-CEBE). Rwanda is emerging as a leading hub for innovation and research, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing science and technology across Africa.
The fifth edition of the Gene Editing Short Course brought together thirty-nine participants from twenty African countries. Video: Uru Research & Development Group
The main objective of the course was to provide participants with a well-rounded and comprehensive understanding of gene editing technologies and their practical applications across various fields through four days of classroom-based courses. The course was led by myself, Dr. Juma Hussein, and Winnie Ernest from the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) as well as Dr. Charles Lyimo from the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), and was co-organized by Uru Research and Development Group and the GeneConvene Global Collaborative.
Instructors and participants of the Gene Editing Short Course for African Bioscience Professionals de l’ University of Rwanda’s Centre of Excellence in Biomedical Engineering and E-Health (UR-CEBE). Photograph: Uru Research & Development Group
On the first day, we established a strong foundation in gene editing by exploring its fundamental concepts and mechanisms. We delved into questions such as How can DNA be edited? and What are the structure and function of CRISPR/Cas9? Day two featured a dynamic mix of interactive activities and participant-led micro-lectures, reinforcing key concepts through hands-on engagement. On the third day, we moved beyond the basics, focusing on advanced CRISPR techniques and practical gene editing applications.
On day four of the course, we held a colloquium where distinguished experts shared their insights into biotechnology, its applications and ethical and regulatory considerations for its responsible advancement. The session featured contributions from Dr. Ally Mahadhy, UDSM, Dr. Emmanuel Hakizimana, Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), Dr. Onesmo Mpanju, Linq Pharma Consulting, and Dr. Hussein Abkallo, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). Each speaker provided valuable perspectives on how gene editing can be leveraged to help address pressing global challenges, offering real-world applications and case studies.
Participants of the fifth edition of the Gene Editing Short Course. Photograph: Uru Research & Development Group
On the final day, participants visited the national referral laboratory of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), a cornerstone of Rwanda’s healthcare and biomedical research landscape. The visit offered firsthand exposure to how genetic technologies are being integrated into biomedical research and healthcare, highlighting their transformative potential in medicine and public health.
By the end of the course, participants left with a deeper understanding of gene editing technologies, equipped with the skills and knowledge to leverage these innovations to tackle challenges in public health, agriculture, and beyond.
