Bioeconomy Communications Officer, Biosafety South Africa.
The moment I learned I would be traveling to Lusaka, Zambia, for the 6th Africa Biennial Biosciences Communication (ABBC) Symposium 2025, I was ecstatic. This was my first time attending a science communication event outside of South Africa, and I was ready for a fresh perspective. As I packed my bags, swapping Cape Town’s cold winter for Lusaka’s warm weather felt like a welcome gift.
After a six-hour journey, which included navigating connecting flights and the bustling airport, I finally arrived in Lusaka. The energy was palpable, with drivers waiting to whisk symposium attendees to their hotels. Once settled, I eagerly went over the programme, excited about what was to come.
The symposium’s theme, “The War on Science: How Can We Overcome the Burden of Misinformation and Disinformation?” was both timely and powerful. The opening panel set the stage with discussions on scientific advancements across Africa, but the real highlight for me was hearing from a BT cowpea farmer from Nigeria. I’d read countless articles on cowpea and biotech, but hearing his personal story, the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the impact on his livelihood, made the science real in a way an article never could. This became the symposium’s central theme: genuine stories and authentic experiences at the heart of science.
The sessions were a deep dive into how misinformation and disinformation affect science and innovation. We explored practical solutions, analysed case studies on crises that could have been avoided, and witnessed incredible talent at the student hackathon. The hackathon was a true showcase of Africa’s creativity and problem-solving spirit.
On the final day, we took a road trip to a conventionally bred seed multiplication facility. This journey was a chance to see another side of Zambia, and the visit was eye-opening. Seeing the entire process of yellow maize seed production, from start to finish, gave me a new appreciation for the science that helps our farmers thrive.
This year’s symposium celebrated a decade of ABBC. As a first-time attendee, it was inspiring to witness the palpable sense of growth, resilience, and optimism. I left Lusaka with more than just new contacts; I left with renewed motivation. This experience reminded me why I am so passionate about science communication, because it’s fundamentally about people forging connections and building trust in science. I look forward to being part of science communication conversations!