LEVERAGING RNA RESEARCH TOWARDS CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPEUTICS
It is our pleasure to happily announce the successful conclusion of the mini-symposium titled "Leveraging RNA Research towards Career Development and Therapeutics" organized in a hybrid mode (In-person and virtual concurrently) by the Africa Life Science RNA Salon. This was the second version in Africa and the maiden version in Nigeria. The symposium aimed to foster dialogue and collaboration in the field of RNA research while emphasizing its significance in career development, especially in the areas of disease diagnostics and therapeutics. The event took place on 14thOctober 2023 and was hosted at Our Savior Institute of Science, Agriculture, and Technology (OSISATECH Polytechnic), Enugu. The event was proudly sponsored by the RNA Society and Lexogen Company. It was convened by the AFRILSC RNA SALON TEAM through her co-founding member, Agu Peter Chinedu. The symposium featured esteemed speakers and researchers across disciplines who shared their insights and expertise on various aspects of RNA research and its applications. The program included the following highlights: Opening Prayer:Sir. Ikechukwu Agu, the Registrar of OSISATECH Polytechnic led the opening prayer. Introduction:The convener, Agu Peter Chinedu, introduced the guests and the team as well as the founding members of the African Life Science RNA Salon. He also pitched the website briefly at http://afrilscrna.org. Welcome Address: Patrick Maduabuchi Aja, PhD, DAAD Fellow, an Associate Professor of Biochemistry and a Founding Member of AfriLSc RNA Salon inaugurated the event with an insightful welcome address, setting the stage for the day's discussions. Opening Remark: Prof. Mike Ike Okwudili, the Rector of OSISATECH Polytechnic, Enugu, Nigeriaexpressed his gratitude towards the AfriLSc RNA Salon team for choosing the OSISATECH Polytechnic as the take-off point of their collaboration in Nigeria. Heemphasized the institution's commitment to promoting moral and academic excellence and fostering meaningful collaborations in interdisciplinary fields including RNA research.Finally, he wished every participant a happy experience in OSISATECH Polytechnic during the conference. “Keynote Speech” on Leveraging RNA Research Towards Career Development and Therapeutics:Assoc. Prof. Ikechuku Okorie Igwenyi, an Associate Professor of Medical and Nutritional Biochemistry from the Department of Biochemistry, Ebonyi State University, Nigeria delivered a scintillating speech on RNA Biology, shedding light on its potential explorations in disease diagnosis, treatment, and career development. He as well shed insights into emerging trends in RNA therapeutics. “Talk 1” on Fostering Tomorrow’s RNA Researchers through Innovations in Biology Education:Dr. Innocent Chibuzor Anidu, an Associate Professor of Biology Education from the Department of Science Education, Micheal Okpara University, Umudike, Nigeria. Dr. I. C Anidugave a critical insight into integrating RNA in a more pronounced framework to help students have full background knowledge on navigating their career as researchers. He highlighted qualities of a good researcher and also shared his yearslong experience as a biology teacher which could be instrumental in curriculum development targeting RNA. He concluded with emphasis on the need to make RNA/DNA study well pronounced in the current secondary school curriculum in Nigeria. “Talk 2” on Women Calling Women to Stand up for Science:Dr. Anthonia NkeiruMba, the Head of the Department of Microbiology/Parasitology, David Umahi Federal University, Uburu, Nigeria presented a talk “Inclusivity in RNA Career Research”. Dr.Mba highlighted the potential and challenges of women in science. She identified groundbreaking contributions of women scientists in RNA biology and therapeutics. Further, she gave a timely guide to ensure maximum inclusion of women in decision-making at all levels including frontier in RNA research career development. “Talk 3” on Righting the Wrongs in Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases: The RNA Perspectives. Dr. Chinedu Ogbonnia Egwu,Department of Biochemistry, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-alike Ikwo, Nigeria, and Post-Doctoral fellow ofMalaria Population Biology Team, Medica Research Council,Gambia presented a scintillating talk with insight into therapeutic journey. He buttressed the existing diagnostic approach and the gaps. In furtherance, he upholds that RNA therapeutics if fully harnessed has the potential to close the lapses in the health sector especially, in diagnosis and therapeutics for both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Discussions and comments: Prof. Achikanu Cosmas Ezekaibeya, a participant from Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Okpo Chidimma, Engr. Isiaka Salmon, Chidi Blessing, and other participants expressed their gratitude tothe organizers for giving them the opportunity to attend the program without financial cost (free of charge). They further applauded the presenters for their scholarly session. Recommendations: From the presentations and discussions, the following recommendations have been made to ensure the successful actualization of the symposium objectives: a.The program of AFRILSC RNA Salon should be launched in every higher institution to foster collaborations and awareness. b. The need to attract the government's attention to policy that will give a visible space to integrate RNA intohigher school curricula. c. Researchers at all levels should consider mentorship programsfor RNA research. d. There should be a post-conference follow-up to enable continued participation in the RNA Salons program. e. Awareness campaign through mass media and social media. Closing Remark:Dr.Ernest Mbamalu Ezeh expressed his sincerest gratitude on behalf of the school management and the organizers to all for enthusiastic participation and thought-provoking insights throughout the deliberations. He identified that bright minds have initiated a frontier in RNA research and we should take responsibility to make it materialize in the fields of biomedicine and other scientific innovations across disciplines. Finally, he thanked all who contributed to making the symposium an unforgettable experience and wished all a safe journey back home. Generally, the Africa Life Science RNA Salon would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to the speakers, organizers, sponsors, and participants for making this symposium a resounding success. We believe that this event has further ignited the passion for RNA research, facilitated meaningful networking opportunities, and paved the way for innovative collaborations in the field. For more information about the symposium, including presentations, posters, and highlights, please visit http://afrilscrna.org or contact (afrilsc.rnasalon@gmail.com; Twitter: @afrilScrna).
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CLOUDROID ICT