THE 3rd GLOBAL CONGRESS ON NEW AND EMERGING BIOCONTROL TECHNOLOGIES TAKES SHAPE…..The African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium welcomes congress registration.

Following the closure of abstract submissions for the 3^rd Global Congress on New and Emerging Biocontrol Technologies, the scientific committee is reviewing abstracts received. The 3^rd Global Congress will be held from March 15-18, 2027, in Nairobi, and snippets of the programme are available.

Here are key highlights:

1. High level policy and networking meetings
2. Cutting-edge genetic biocontrol science: The central attraction is the latest research on technologies such as gene drives, genome editing and Wolbachia-based approaches for controlling disease vectors and other harmful organisms. The congress sessions are designed to connect discovery research with technologies being developed and moved toward field application.
3. Focus on vector control and public health: The congress is particularly relevant to malaria and other vector-borne diseases. The programming emphasizes engineered modification strategies for vector control, with discussion extending from laboratory research to operational experiences.
4. Africa-centered conversations with global experts: One distinctive promise is bringing African researchers, regulators, practitioners, developers and international experts into the same forum. The goal is to strengthen African participation and decision-making around how genetic biocontrol technologies are researched, developed and potentially deployed.
5. Risk, regulation and governance—not just technology: One major highlight is the focus on risk, regulation and governance, not just technology. Sessions will consider all round regulation and governance for new biotechnology. These will include discussions on:

• Risk assessment and risk management
• Biosafety and biosecurity
• Biocontainment and field-trial considerations
• Regulatory frameworks
• International governance
• Post-release monitoring

6. Science communication and misinformation: The African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium held a successful 6-part webinar series on misinformation and disinformation on new and emerging genetic biocontrol technologies. The Congress is building on this success through offering workshops aimed at strengthening science communication and countering misinformation about Gene Drive and Genetic Biocontrol.
7. Capacity building: The training components include pre-conference workshops, symposia and courses, alongside the main scientific program. The stated objective is to strengthen knowledge and skills around new and emerging biocontrol technologies.

  8.Animal biotechnology: Researchers working on insects, plants, fish, mammals and other organisms will be brought together, to discuss innovative work being done across the globe in animal biotechnology.