As we wrap up the first quarter of 2021, significant progress in combating COVID-19 pandemic is evident in most part of the world as massive vaccination campaigns gear up. Thanks to science, this is a win for people and the planet. Most importantly, it is a lesson for world leaders to embrace and empower science, technology and innovation in addressing intractable societal challenges now and in future.

Governments, research groups, non-profit foundations, public and private institutions have dedicated numerous resources in tackling the global pandemic. Evidently, some more than others. In our story of the month, Dr. Hussein Abkallo, a Kenyan biotechnologist, highlights why it is critical for African states to embrace science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs and revamp research funding.

Our video of the month shifts our focus to animal biotechnology and its potential to improve livestock, poultry and fish farming. This was during a stakeholders sensitization workshop on animal biotechnology applications and regulatory perspectives held in Kenya between 22^nd and 24^th of March 2021. The workshop hosted by ISAAA AfriCenter in collaboration with the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) brought together animal research scientists, regulators, decision makers, communicators, animal welfare representatives and private sector players. Here, recommendations were made to foster regional collaboration in development of a demand-driven animal biotechnology agenda aimed at addressing constraints identified by farmers and consumers.

In this Issue, we share our latest publications including the Africa Biennial Biosciences Communication (ABBC) symposium 2019 report, Top Ten Facts about Agricultural Biotechnology and Biosafety in Africa, and Genome Editing in Africa's Agriculture 2021: An Early Take-off. The latter highlights some of the ongoing genome editing projects in Africa and the faces behind them. To be featured in the second edition, contact Dr. Margaret Karembu at mkarembu@isaaa.org.

We wish you a safe month full of love and happiness.

Happy Reading!