Advances in biotechnology have made human gene editing a reality. Progress in the field is gaining momentum
and promises for well-being at a level not previously imagined, emerge. This progress also raises ethical,
legal and social considerations together with valid concerns that the law and ethics are lagging behind.
Moreover, recent reports on abuse of these technologies have triggered disquiet. Gene editing involves
precise additions, deletions and alterations to the genome. Basic science research in gene editing is already
under way in laboratories globally. Clinical applications involving somatic (non-reproductive cells) are in the
early stages and going forward there is great potential for the use of this technology in germline (reproductive)
cells. The first SA Conference on Gene Editing, hosted by the South African Medical Research Council
(SAMRC) together with The Steve Biko Centre for Bioethics and the Wits School of Clinical Medicine will discuss
and debate these issues including what this could mean for us in South Africa and Africa as a whole.
The conference theme, 'Ending the Emergency: Science, Leadership, Action', focused on what is needed to ensure commitments become action, and that lifesaving targets are met.
Congratulations to our EDCTP Fellows who's excellent research work was recognised!
Two Career Development Fellows received prestigious awards:
Dr Stephanus Malherbe received The Union Young Investigator Prize
Dr Sean Wasserman received the Stephen Lawn TB-HIV Research Leadership Prize
https://hyderabad.worldlunghealth.org/2019/11/the-union-recognises-major-contributions-to-lung-health-through-its-annual-awards/
Dr Stellah Mpagama, an EDCTP Senior Fellow gave her plenary presentation during the Ending the TB Emergency session.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bw2eCplJ7Y8
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Programme submissions for the 23rd International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2020) are now open, including abstracts, the Global Village and Youth Programme, pre-conferences and more.
Present your research
Showcase your work to 20,000 global leaders, scientists, policy makers, healthcare professionals and people living with HIV. Abstract submissions close 14 January 2020.
Join the Global Village and Youth Programme
The Global Village and Youth Programme is an open-access, free and vibrant space where communities from all over the world meet, share and learn from each other. Apply before 14 January 2020.
Organize a workshop
The Workshop Programme offers opportunities for knowledge transfer, skills development and collaborative learning. Workshop proposal submissions close 14 January 2020.
Host an official pre-conference
Pre-conferences are one to two day meetings held immediately before the conference that engage delegates on global health topics. The submission deadline is 14 January 2020.
Apply for a scholarship
The Scholarship Programme supports access to AIDS 2020 for people from resource-limited settings, researchers, young people, key and vulnerable populations, and community representatives. Apply by 15 January 2020.
Visit: https://www.aids2020.org/
Read moreThe Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) is a European programme which supports researchers' career development, through international and inter-sectorial mobility, as well as innovative training both at PhD and postdoc level. It also funds doctoral programmes. EDCTP was invited to take part in a seminar with 150 participants held 6-7 November 2019 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Shingai Machingaidze (EDCTP Project Officer) participated in a panel discussion titled 'Bridging MSCA with existing networks and on-going initiatives'. EDCTP was also represented by 8 EDCTP Fellows as well as 4 junior researchers from the EDCTP Regional Networks of Excellence.
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