From Evidence to Trust: Strengthening Bioscience Communication Ecosystems in Afric
Africa is undergoing a significant expansion in bioscience research and innovation, driven by investments in biotechnology, genomics, and broader life sciences. Concurrently, many countries are strengthening regulatory frameworks and advancing research translation systems to support innovation-led development. However, public understanding of these advances remains uneven, and the rapid evolution of digital information ecosystems has amplified misinformation and disinformation, weakening trust in scientific institutions. In this context, the ability to effectively communicate scientific evidence – across policy, media, and societal interfaces – has become a critical determinant of the success and acceptance of bioscience innovations. The challenge is no longer solely the generation of high-quality scientific evidence, but the establishment of credible, inclusive, and resilient communication ecosystems that enable that evidence to translate into public value and informed decision-making. The Africa Biennial Biosciences Communication (ABBC) Symposium has, since 2015, served as a leading continental platform for advancing science communication in Africa. Building on successive editions held in Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Zambia, and hybrid formats, ABBC 2027 will focus on the strategic transition “from evidence to trust,” emphasizing the systems, actors, and practices required to strengthen bioscience communication ecosystems across the continent.
2.0 Goal and Objectives
2.1 Goal
To strengthen bioscience communication ecosystems in Africa to enhance public trust, support research translation, and promote evidence-based decision-making.
2.2 Specific Objectives
- To examine how governance systems, policies, and institutions shape public trust in bioscience.
- To strengthen science communication capacity among researchers, journalists, and institutions.
- To explore communication pathways that enable translation of bioscience research into innovation and societal impact.
- To foster collaboration among scientists, policymakers, media, industry, and research funders.
- To promote inclusive, multilingual, and context-responsive communication approaches across African settings.
3.0 Thematic Scope
To strengthen bioscience communication ecosystems in Africa to enhance public trust, support research translation, and promote evidence-based decision-making.
4.0 Programme Overview
The symposium will be delivered over three days through a combination of keynote lectures, thematic sessions, moderated discussions, and dialogue-based formats. The programme is intentionally structured to reflect a progression from evidence and governance (Day 1) to communication for translation (Day 2) and dialogue and institutional strategies (Day 3).
- Day 1 – From Evidence to Trust: Communicating Bioscience for Public Confidence
The opening day will establish the governance and institutional foundations of trust in science. The opening keynote will be delivered by the President of the Académie Nationale des Sciences et Techniques du Sénégal (ANSTS), followed by high-level contributions from leaders in science policy, science and technology studies, and bioscience governance. Sessions will examine the science-policy-society interface, institutional credibility, communication of biotechnology, and the role of research investment ecosystems in shaping public trust. - Day 2 – Science Communication as an Enabler for Research Translation
The second day will focus on how communication facilitates the translation of bioscience research into innovation and societal value. Sessions will address biotechnology governance communication, research commercialization pathways, vaccine innovation case studies, multilingual communication contexts, and the influence of media and digital platforms on public trust. The programme integrates perspectives from academia, industry, and digital communication practitioners. - Day 3 – Capacity Building and Institutional Strategies
The final day will prioritize dialogue-based formats to promote reflection and co-creation of actionable insights. A keynote on trust in digital information ecosystems will be followed by interactive sessions, including a fireside chat on scientists as public communicators, reflections from regulators and policymakers, and a moderated media-science dialogue aimed at improving bioscience reporting and public engagement. - Poster and Early-Career Engagement
Dedicated poster sessions will be held on Days 1 and 2 (approximately 60 minutes each), complemented by short lightning presentations and moderated discussions. These sessions will provide a platform for early-career researchers, science communicators, and journalists to present work on bioscience communication, research translation, and public engagement, and to foster networking and collaboration.
5.0 Participants and Reach
The symposium is expected to convene approximately 120 – 150 participants, including bioscience researchers, science communicators, journalists, policymakers, regulators, industry representatives, and R&D partners. Participation will be pan-African with representation from over 20 countries, complemented by international experts and partner institutions. Approximately 15 – 20 early-career participants will be supported to attend, with emphasis on geographical balance, gender equity, and regional diversity.
6.0 Partnerships and International Collaboration
ABBC 2027 will leverage established collaborations with international research institutions, universities, and science communication networks.
7.0 Implementation and Hosting
The symposium will be organized by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) AfriCenter, based in Nairobi, Kenya, in partnership with the Académie Nationale des Sciences et Techniques du Sénégal (ANSTS) as the host institution in Dakar. The event will draw on ISAAA AfriCenter’s extensive experience in organizing previous ABBC symposia and its continental networks in bioscience communication. The venue in Dakar will provide a plenary auditorium (120 – 150 participants), dedicated poster space, and full audio-visual facilities to support hybrid participation and session recording.
8.0 Expected Outcomes and Impact
ABBC 2027 is expected to deliver both immediate and longer-term outcomes, including:
- Strengthened capacity among scientists, journalists, and communicators to effectively communicate bioscience research and innovation.
- Improved public understanding and informed dialogue on biotechnology and emerging biosciences.
- Enhanced evidence-informed policymaking and governance of scientific innovation.
- Strengthened regional and international networks for bioscience communication.
- Increased adoption of institutional science communication strategies within African research organizations.
- Development of practical, context-relevant approaches for addressing misinformation and building public trust in science.
9.0 Expected Outcomes and Impact
The estimated total budget for ABBC 2027 is USD 175,000 – 180,000, covering participant support, venue and logistics, audio-visual services, and programme delivery. The event will be financed through a combination of institutional contributions, grants, sponsorships, and registration fees. ISAAA AfriCenter will provide in-kind support, including coordination, logistics, and communication. Additional sponsorship will be sought from development partners, academic institutions, and private sector organizations, including returning ABBC partners.
10.0 Conclusion
ABBC 2027 represents a timely and strategic intervention to address one of the most pressing challenges in African science systems: translating robust scientific evidence into trusted, actionable knowledge for society. By convening diverse stakeholders across science, policy, media, and industry, the symposium will contribute to building integrated, credible, and sustainable bioscience communication ecosystems that underpin innovation, public trust, and development outcomes across the continent.
11.0 Contacts
For partnership and sponsorship inquiries, contact the ABBC Secretariat at: