Africa International Biomedical and Biotechnology Conference Workshop 2023

The Africa International Biotechnology and Biomedical Conference (AIBBC) Workshop 2023, held at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Dairy Research Institute, from October 29th to November 1st, was a resounding success, bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds to engage in hands-on training in advanced biomedical technologies.

Workshop Overview: AIBBC 2023 featured a comprehensive program that included practical training on the bench, illuminating lectures, discussions, and reviews. The workshop aimed at ensuring the maximum acquisition of knowledge and practical skills. Due to space and resource limitations, some workshop courses had restricted capacity, with participation being determined based on motivation as demonstrated in the application forms. Course allocation was on a first-come-first-served basis.

Key Workshop Topics: The workshop covered a range of cutting-edge topics, allowing participants to delve into the latest advancements in biomedical sciences. The courses included:

1. Flow Cytometry: Understanding & Applications

   • Instructors: Prof. J. Paul Robinson (Purdue University, USA), Dr. Lucy Ochola (Institute for Primate Research, Kenya)
   • Capacity: 25 participants

2. Point-of-Care Diagnostics for Resource-Limited Settings

   • Instructors: Prof. Aman Russom (KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden), Prof. Tamara Kinzer-Ursen, Prof. Linnes Jacqueline, Prof. Orlando Hoilett (Purdue University, USA), Dr. Martin Wekesa Sifunah (Chiba University, Japan)
   • Capacity: 25 participants

3. Molecular Diagnostics

   • Instructors: Prof. Masood Kamali-Moghaddam, Dr. Radiosa Gallini (Uppsala University, Sweden), MSc. David Mwaura (Primate Research Institute, Kenya)
   • Capacity: 25 participants

4. New Insights into HIV and Other Emerging Viral Infections

   • Instructors: Prof. Elizabeth Bukusi (Kenya Medical Research Institute, KEMRI), Prof. Cristina Mussini, Prof. Elisa Vicenzi, Dr. Isabel Pagani (San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Italy), Dr. Eddy Odari (Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya)
   • Capacity: 30 participants

5. Parasitic Infections and Zoonoses

   • Instructors: Dr. Jesse Gitaka and team (Mount Kenya University, Kenya), Dr. Rosemary Bateta, Dr. Winnie Okeyo, Dr. Kennedy Ogolla (Biotechnology Research Institute-KALRO, Kenya)
   • Capacity: 30 participants

6. Genomics and Bioinformatics I & II

   • Instructors (Track 1): Prof. Daniela Maria Cirillo, Dr. Andrea Cabibbe (San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Italy), Dr. Steven Nyanjom (Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya)
   • Instructors (Track 2): Prof. Jakob Skou Pedersen, Dr. Simon Grund Sørensen (Aarhuc University, Denmark), Dr. Josiah Kuja (University of Copenhagen, Denmark)
   • Capacity for each track: 15 participants

Conclusion: The AIBBC 2023 Workshop provided a platform for participants to deepen their understanding of advanced biomedical technologies, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among experts from within and outside Africa. The blend of practical training, lectures, and discussions contributed to the participants’ enhanced knowledge and skills in the dynamic fields of biotechnology and biomedical sciences.