From description to implementation: key takeaways from the 3rd African Microbiome Symposium
Publication date
2025-12-23
Authors
Marsh, Charissa C.
Nel Van Zyl, Kristien
Babalola, Olubukola Oluranti
Böhmer, Reinhard
Cowan, Don A.
Moganedi, Kgabo L.M.
Moroenyane, Itumeleng
Naidoo, Jerolen
Nieves Delgado, Abigail
Posma, Joram M.
Editors
Advisors
Supervisors
Document Type
Article
Metadata
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License
cc_by
Abstract
The 3rd African Microbiome Symposium was held in Cape Town, South Africa, from 20 to 22 November 2024. The symposium featured a diverse range of local and international microbiome research and provided a platform for 79 researchers, students, and industry members to engage in discussions on the microbiome within an African context and focusing on translational research. This meeting review shares highlights, findings, and recommendations derived from the event. Insights from two panel discussions revealed key barriers to microbiome research in Africa, including limited funding, infrastructure gaps, and a shortage of trained local scientists. Recommendations centered on increased investment, institutional training, adherence to ethical guidelines, and the fostering of equitable global partnerships.
Keywords
african microbiomes, capacity building, metagenomics, translational research, Microbiology, Molecular Biology
Citation
Marsh, C C, Nel Van Zyl, K, Babalola, O O, Böhmer, R, Cowan, D A, Moganedi, K L M, Moroenyane, I, Naidoo, J, Nieves Delgado, A, Posma, J M, Segal, L N & Setati, M E 2025, 'From description to implementation : key takeaways from the 3rd African Microbiome Symposium', mSphere, vol. 10, no. 12, e0068325. https://doi.org/10.1128/msphere.00683-25