4th Africa International Biomedical and Biotechnology Conference (AIBBC 2019)

The 4th Africa International Biotechnology & Biomedical Conference (AIBBC 2019) took place from August 29th to August 30th, 2019, at the PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort, Convention and Spa in Mombasa, Kenya. Organized biannually since 2014, the AIBBC conference series has consistently provided a unique platform for multidisciplinary research sharing, networking, and interactions in the crucial fields of biomedical and biotechnology.

Under the theme “Advancing Research and Innovation for Sustainable Development in Africa,” AIBBC 2019 aimed to build on the successes of previous meetings. The conference sought to strengthen the platform for research sharing and networking in the diverse fields of biotechnology and biomedicine, aligning with AIBBC’s goals of promoting human capacity development and fostering research-based innovative solutions to socioeconomic challenges specific to Africa.

The conference comprised two parts: hands-on workshops on advanced biomedical technologies in Nairobi at the Institute of Primate Research and the main conference in Mombasa. A record-breaking 250 participants registered for the conference, showcasing the growing interest and engagement in the scientific community.

Pre-conference workshops (August 26-27) featured practical demonstrations and hands-on training led by renowned scientists, including Prof. Paul Robinson of Purdue University, USA. The aim was to provide students and young researchers with valuable hands-on experiences applicable to their future research and professional endeavors.

The main conference in Mombasa (August 28-31) brought together a diverse group of researchers for two days of intense scientific exchanges and networking. The scientific program included keynote talks by senior scientists, presentations by selected young investigators, and poster presentations. The event concluded with an exciting biodiversity study tour to Tsavo National Park, offering participants a memorable experience in the African wilderness.

Key presentations on Day 1 included talks by Prof. Paul Robinson on the future of cell analysis, Dr. Shinji Yamada from Hitachi Ltd. on R&D action for the achievement of SDGs, and other notable speakers covering a range of topics in biotechnology and biomedical research. Young Investigators’ Sessions provided a platform for emerging researchers to showcase their work.

Day 2 featured presentations on topics such as cell alignment of differentiated osteocytes, the inhibition of mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, and the role of engineering for life science, among others. The poster presentation sessions allowed researchers to display their work, with evaluations for the Best Poster Award.

The conference fostered collaboration, knowledge exchange, and discussions on cutting-edge research in biotechnology and biomedical sciences. The organizers, including Prof. Collins Ouma, Dr. Kennedy Okeyo, Dr. Eddy Odari, and Dr. Lucy Ochola, expressed gratitude to all participants for choosing to be part of AIBBC 2019 and hoped that the event inspired them to champion sustainable development through science and technology, not only for Africa but for the entire world. Asanteni sana!