The DrumBeat: Africa Bioscience Trends

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31st July 2025

ISSUE NO.85

Welcome to issue 85 of The DrumBeat!

This edition shines a spotlight on the upcoming 6th Africa Biennial Biosciences Communication (ABBC 2025) symposium. As we prepare to gather in Lusaka, Zambia, we turn our focus to a timely and pressing theme - "The war on science: how can we overcome the burden of misinformation and disinformation?"

In a world grappling with information overload, science is under siege. Misinformation now ranks among the most severe global risks, threatening not just scientific progress but public trust. Our video of the month offers a glimpse into what ABBC 2025 is curating: a gathering of passionate voices, united in co-creating solutions to this menace. It also highlights how you can be part of this movement through tailored partnership opportunities, exhibition spaces, and a platform to showcase your research and innovations at the heart of the symposium.

In this month's story, our very own Head of Digital Communications, Peter Theuri, reflects on why the moment is ripe for all champions of science to take a deliberate stand against the rising tide of misinformation and disinformation. With conviction and clarity, Peter invites you to lend your voice to this critical discourse, joining a concerted effort to counter the damage that falsehoods continue to inflict on the integrity of science.

From our newsroom, Prof. Musso Munyeme, Zambia's distinguished One Health expert and a member of the ABBC 2025 organizing committee, extends a warm welcome to Lusaka. In his message, he shares compelling insights into why this year's symposium matters more than ever, for science and society alike. We also spotlight the inspiring efforts of our early-career scientists who are harnessing artificial intelligence to combat misinformation and disinformation. Alongside them, policy implementers are championing a transformative research agenda - prioritizing science in strategic funding decisions and fostering long-term ecosystem growth in research and development.

Finally, are you a journalist in Kenya reporting on biotechnology? The 2025 OFAB Media Awards are now open for submissions! Don't miss this opportunity to be recognized for your impactful storytelling. See the poster for details.

Happy reading!

VIDEO OF THE MONTH

Africa's Premier Platform on Science Communication - Be Part of the Movement

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Peter Theuri
Head of Digital Communications
ISAAA AfriCenter

STORY OF THE MONTH

You, Me, Us - ABBC 2025 needs concerted effort to slay misinformation and disinformation

While the truth is still probably reaching under its bed to find its boots, the lie has travelled halfway across the globe, causing panic, leaving a trail of destruction, in some instances irreparably damaging societies. Aware of this, and being among the most affected due to the proliferation of pseudoscientists and commercial activists, scientists and other believers of science need to deliberately wage war on misinformation and disinformation. Any delays could be catastrophic, as Peter Theuri observes. Read more

From Our Newsroom

Lusaka Promises Unforgettable Experience at ABBC 2025

With less than a month to go, anticipation is building towards the Africa Biennial Biosciences Communication Symposium (ABBC2025) set to take place in Lusaka, Zambia, from August 26 - 28. This year's symposium comes at a critical time, when the spread of misinformation and disinformation continues to undermine science, threaten public health, and derail progress on climate and food security. ABBC2025 brings together a wide range of stakeholders to explore how effective communication can become a powerful tool for promoting planetary health and resilient livelihoods across Africa. To understand the stakes and expectations, we speak with Prof. Musso Munyeme - Zambia's One Health expert and a key member of the ABBC 2025 organizing committee - on why this year's symposium matters more than ever. Read more

From Hackathon to Hope: A Youth-Led Mission to Defend Science in African Agriculture

Just a few months ago, AgriGuard was born, not in a fancy boardroom or lab, but in the middle of an intense, deadline-driven AI/ML hackathon where our team of curious, young minds dared to ask: What if we used AI to fight fake news in Agri-Biotech? As one of the top three winners in the Hackathon competition, our team got a spot on the big stage at the FINAS Summit 2025, a milestone that affirmed just how urgent and relevant our mission is: to fight agricultural misinformation using artificial intelligence. Read more

PS Abdulrazak Champions a Transformative Research Agenda as Kenya Crafts Its R&D Funding and Capacity Strengthening Masterplan

In a powerful affirmation of Kenya's renewed commitment to science, technology, and innovation, Professor Abdulrazak Shaukat, the Permanent Secretary of the newly formed State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, brought clarity and conviction to recent high-level engagements steering the development of the country's Research Funding and Capacity Strengthening Masterplan (2026 - 2035). Participating in both the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) retreat from July 14 - 16 and a follow-up 'Pause and Reflect' session on July 17 with the Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA Fund), the PS offered strategic guidance that not only validated the ongoing process but also charted a bold course for institutional coordination, strategic financing, and long-term ecosystem growth. Read more