PRESS RELEASE WEBINAR SERIES: Truth Under the Microscope
PRESS RELEASE July 31, 2026: WEBINAR SERIES: Truth Under the Microscope: Tackling Disinformation and Misinformation in emerging technologies and life sciences
Biotechnology is increasingly being applied in health, agriculture, and industry across Africa and globally, yet reporting on these developments remains complex. Journalists, scientists and communicators must navigate technical subject matter, uneven regulatory systems across countries, limited access to specialized scientific sources and public debates shaped by misinformation, political narratives, ethical concerns, cultural values and low public familiarity with emerging technologies. Although global adoption is growing, uptake across Africa remains relatively low. This makes clear, accurate and trusted communication, essential to public and stakeholder acceptance of emerging biotechnologies such as engineered gene drives, gene editing and synthetic biology. Despite important progress, misinformation about the value, safety and effectiveness of these technologies persists, and communication in Africa continues to be shaped by diverse political, social and cultural contexts.
In this regard, the BioTRUST Institute and African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium (AGBC), in collaboration with the Elizabeth R. Griffin Program at Johns Hopkins University, is designing a webinar series to address misinformation and disinformation.
The webinar series hopes to enable distinction between misinformation, disinformation, malinformation and legitimate scientific uncertainty and explanation of their implications for science communication and public understanding. It is also expected that participants will be able to assess how emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence, data analytics, biotechnology and digital health tools—can both amplify and mitigate the spread of false or misleading information.
WHO: BioTRUST Institute and African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium (AGBC), in collaboration with the Elizabeth R. Griffin Program at Johns Hopkins University
WHAT: Webinar series: Truth Under the Microscope: Tackling Disinformation and Misinformation in emerging technologies and life sciences
WHEN: Every Thursday from August 6- September 10
WHERE: Register to receive link https://forms.gle/FXxn8XXqqmxMEHK69
TIME: 1500hours -1700 hours East African Time (EAT)
“Emerging technologies including Genetic biocontrol technologies are beneficial but must be clearly communicated to avoid public mistrust. We look forward to examining how misinformation and disinformation affect emerging technologies and life sciences, particularly where public trust is concerned, but most importantly, equipping participants with knowledge. The webinar series is a great opportunity, ” said Dr. Willy Tonui, Founder and Chairman of the African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium.
Dr. Erin Sorrell, Director of the Elizabeth R. Griffin Program at the John Hopkins University, notes without effective public engagement and communication plans our advancements in science and technology will never reach their full potential; we must proactively address and counter misinformation to promote a better understanding of their application and public health potential.
The webinar will be held online via Zoom, with French and English interpretation. The series will be held every Thursday beginning August 6, from 1500 to 1700 hours EAT. This series is ideal for professionals seeking practical tools to make complex science more accessible, credible, and relevant in today’s fast-changing information environment.
The discussion will focus on evidence-based approaches to strengthening science communication, building public trust, and promoting informed decision-making.
Register and be part of the conversation shaping clearer, trusted science communication across Africa.
Webinar Objectives
- Clarify the distinctions among misinformation, disinformation, malinformation, and legitimate scientific uncertainty.
- Explore how emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence, synthetic media, data analytics, biotechnology, and digital health tools—can amplify and counter false information.
- Examine the implications of misinformation for life sciences, including public health, vaccines, genomics, biosecurity, clinical research, and science policy.
- Identify practical approaches to strengthening trust, transparency, responsible communication, and evidence-based decision-making.
- Promote collaboration among researchers, regulators, industry, media, and communities to build resilience against harmful information ecosystems.
- Learn practical ways to communicate scientific uncertainty clearly.
- Counter misinformation and disinformation without amplifying false claims.
- Build public trust in biotechnology, AI, and related fields.
- Engage diverse audiences with accurate, responsible messages.
Potential Outcomes from the Webinar Series
- Improved understanding of how misinformation and disinformation affect public trust in emerging technologies and life sciences.
- Enhanced capacity among scientists, journalists, communicators, and policymakers to communicate complex science clearly and responsibly.
- Stronger collaboration between media professionals, researchers, policy actors, and community engagement practitioner.
- Development of practical tools and approaches for fact-checking, framing scientific uncertainty, and responding to false narratives without amplifying them.
- Increased public confidence in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, genetic biocontrol, and other emerging science fields through transparent and inclusive communication.
- Greater awareness of ethical, cultural, and language considerations when engaging diverse audiences on emerging technologies.
- Strengthened networks of African science communicators equipped to support evidence-informed dialogue and policy engagement.
- Identification of training needs, mentorship opportunities, and follow-up activities to sustain long-term science communication capacity across the continent.
About BioTRUST Institute
The BioTRUST Institute, also known as the BioTrust Hub, is an EHS Consultancy initiative that promotes trust, transparency, and ethical innovation in biotechnology and the life sciences. As a training institute, BioTRUST offers CPD-certified courses leading to certificates and diplomas in science communication for scientists and journalists. Through workshops, educational resources, policy advocacy, and collaborative engagement, the Hub supports responsible biotechnology development and helps build an inclusive ecosystem that strengthens public confidence and benefits society. It brings together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and the public to share knowledge, develop standards, and address key issues such as data privacy, bioethics, and regulatory compliance.
About the African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium
The African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium (AGBC) is a leading African platform that translates genetic biocontrol science into safe, ethical, and impactful solutions for agriculture and public health. AGBC provides a platform for African experts and institutions to interact, strengthen technical capacity, exchange knowledge, and deliberate on the challenges and opportunities associated with genetic biocontrol technologies. AGBC seeks to build informed local leadership to support the development, decision-making, and responsible use of genetic biocontrol technologies for animal health, public health, wildlife conservation, and environmental protection in Africa.
About Elizabeth R. Griffin Foundation
The Elizabeth R. Griffin Foundation was established in memory of Elizabeth “Beth” Griffin, a young researcher who died in 1997 following a laboratory-acquired infection associated with a preventable occupational exposure. The Foundation’s work originated from her family’s commitment to preventing similar tragedies while promoting safe and responsible biomedical research. Today, this legacy is advanced through global health security initiatives focused on biosafety, biosecurity, occupational health, and practical biorisk management solutions that are locally appropriate, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of researchers, health workers, and communities.
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