The Alliance for Science (AFS), in conjunction with the Open Forum for Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Nigeria, Boyce Thomson Institute, and IITA–CGIAR, organized a 3-day training for scientists and science communicators on Communicating Gene Editing in Abuja, Nigeria. The training took place on 19−21 September and aimed to provide participants with the appropriate communication skills to communicate on gene editing for food sustainability, nutrition, and security in Africa.
Executive Director of the Alliance for Science, Dr Sheila Ochugboju, opened the event with a keynote speech. She recognized the need for such training events, as a former scientist herself, who completed her postdoctoral research in Oxford University, working on genetic engineering for biological pesticides. She was visibly moved to return to her home country Nigeria, to welcome scientists and communicators creating an enabling environment for world-class science and innovation.
Also, IITA Head of Abuja station, and BASICS II project leader, Prof. Sanni Lateef in his remarks at the opening event encouraged the next generation of scientist-participants to exceed the achievements of the older scientists in terms of scientific research and innovations. “Science is evolving, and we need a new generation of science inventors to keep up with it,” he said.
OFAB Country Coordinator Dr Rose Gidado and IITA Plantain Transformation Scientist Valentine Ntui explained the science of gene editing. They pointed out that genome editing is a revolution for science and medicine that takes advantage of the cell’s DNA repair mechanisms, resulting in many different molecular outcomes.
TIIRA CEO and inventor, Dr Joseph Nderitu from Kenya, discussed how science innovations could become a money-making venture when patented, and not just for research purposes. He advised scientists and researchers who have original ideas and innovations in science to “own their inventions” by patenting them.
Training Director Alliance for Science, Patricia Nanteza, who joined the workshop online, highlighted the objective of the training, which is to ensure scientists and science communicators can communicate scientific issues, including gene editing in plant breeding, to the public. She also shared step-by-step instructions on how participants can develop a communication framework that will enable them to effectively relay their messages to the stakeholders.
The participants had break-out sessions with communication experts for practical demonstration of their acquired knowledge. They were also asked to produce communication materials using various media, including print (news and opinion writing), social media, radio, and TV.
At the end of the training, participants went on a field trip to the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) to visit their biotech lab, bioinformatics center, and field trials.
A young participant from Agserver, Joy Opuro, commended the organizers and said the training was impactful and of great value. “I look forward to sharing my newfound knowledge on gene editing. It is a game changer with numerous benefits for farmers and food security in Africa,” she said.
Contributed by Dajie Odok
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