Africa International Biotechnology and Biomedical Conference (AIBBC 2019) Workshop
The Africa International Biotechnology and Biomedical Conference (AIBBC) 2019, held on August 26th and 27th at the Institute of Primate Research in Karen, provided a platform for scientists, researchers, and experts to delve into advanced biomedical technologies. The workshops covered a spectrum of topics ranging from Flow Cytometry to Point of Care Diagnostics and Molecular Diagnostics, offering a comprehensive exploration of the latest developments in the field.
Day 1: Unveiling the World of Flow Cytometry The first day of the workshop commenced with a warm welcome from Dr. Hastings Ozwara, Director of IPR, and Prof. Collins Ouma, AIBBC Chair. Prof. J. Paul Robinson, the SVM Professor of Cytomics, kicked off Course 1 on Flow Cytometry with an insightful session on the fundamentals of this powerful analytical technique.
The participants were divided into groups, each assigned to a specific instrument, such as Acea, Cytek, Luminex, and Coulter. The hands-on sessions included demonstrations of instrument features, analysis reviews, and discussions on histograms and dot plots. Tea breaks provided opportunities for attendees to visit exhibition booths, fostering networking and knowledge exchange.
Special Lecture: As the day concluded, all groups gathered in the Central Lecture Hall for a special lecture by Prof. Masahiro Takei from Chiba University, Japan. Prof. Takei delved into the “Possibility of Parasite Detection in Blood by EIT and EIS,” shedding light on innovative approaches to detecting parasites using Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) and Spectroscopy (EIS).
Day 2: Point of Care Diagnostics and Molecular Diagnostics The second day of the workshop continued the exploration of cutting-edge technologies, with Course 2 focusing on Point of Care Diagnostics for resource-limited settings. Prof. Aman Russom from KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden, and Prof. Tamara Kinzer-Ursem from Purdue University, USA, led the sessions on microfluidics and concentrator design.
Simultaneously, Course 3, led by Dr. Radiosa Gallini and Prof. Masood Kamali-Moghaddam from Uppsala University, Sweden, covered Solid Phase PLA (Proximity Ligation Assay). The participants engaged in lab protocols, magnetic beads preparation, and hands-on training sessions.
Course 4, facilitated by Dr. Judith Ochola from Ipswich Hospital, Australia, focused on “New Insights into HIV Infections & Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Stewardship.” The sessions provided in-depth discussions on the UNAIDS 90.90.90 Agenda, HIV testing strategies, treatment enhancement, and immunopathogenesis.
Closing Remarks: The workshops concluded with all groups convening in the Central Lecture Hall. Prof. Takeharu Nagai from Osaka University, Japan, delivered a captivating special lecture on “Super-Duper Bioluminescent Proteins for Wide Range of Bioimaging.” Closing remarks emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts in advancing biomedical research.
In conclusion, AIBBC 2019 workshops served as a hub for knowledge dissemination and collaboration, pushing the boundaries of biomedical technologies and fostering a global community of researchers dedicated to advancing healthcare solutions.