posted 3rd February 2025
This week we are in Entebbe, Uganda for the official launch of the KidneyGenAfrica project. This project will be launched at the 15th African Society of Human Genetics and the 1st Ugandan Society of Human Genetics and Bioinformatics Conference. We selected this conference as an opportunity to launch our project as the project aligns closely with the conference themes and brings together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from across Africa and the globe to advance the field of human genetics, with a particular focus on the unique genetic diversity of African populations. AfSHG 2025 offers a unique platform for Uganda to showcase its achievements and potential in genomic research and innovation. Launching KidneyGenAfrica during this event underscores its importance in promoting the advancement of genomics research and collaboration.
Special Launch Session
We have a dedicated conference session designed to introduce the KidneyGenAfrica project and highlight the research that underpins this initiative. The session, features a keynote talk by Prof. Michele Ramsay and is co-chaired by esteemed researchers Prof. Moffat Nyirenda (Director of MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Research Unit, Uganda) and Prof. Oyekanmi Nash (Research Director at the National Biotechnology Development Agency, Nigeria). It includes an incredible lineup of expert speakers:
Session 2: Special Session - Launch of KidneyGenAfrica (Cardiovascular and Kidney Diseases)
• Talk 1: KidneyGenAfrica Research Partnership Programme - A Partnership to Deliver Research and Training Excellence in Genomics of Kidney Disease in Africa
o Presenter: Prof. Segun Fatumo (MRC Uganda and Queen Mary University of London, UK)
• Talk 2: KidneyGenAfrica: A Multi-Cohort Genome-Wide Association Study and Assessment of Polygenic Prediction of Kidney Function in 110,000 Continental and Diasporan Africans
o Presenter: Dr. Abram Kamiza (MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda, Uganda)
• Talk 3: Genetic Association and Transferability for Urinary Albumin-Creatinine Ratio as a Marker of Kidney Disease in Four Sub-Saharan African Populations and Non-Continental Individuals of African Ancestry
o Presenter: Dr. Jean-Tristan Brandenburg (University of Witwatersrand, South Africa)
• Talk 4: Clinical and Molecular Characterization of APOL1 High-risk Variants and Chronic Kidney Disease in the AADM Study
o Presenter: Dr. Adebowale Adeyemo (NHGRI/NIH, United States of America)
• Talk 5: Polygenic Prediction of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate in Africans
o Presenter: Dr. Christopher Kintu (Makerere University, Uganda, and Queen Mary University of London, UK)
Annual Partnership Meeting
In conjunction with the launch, we are hosting the First Annual KidneyGenAfrica Partnership Meeting. This is an opportunity to unite our partners, collaborators, and special invitees to discuss the project's goals, strategies, and the broader vision for advancing kidney genomics research in Africa. This meeting provides a unique opportunity to shape the future direction and impact of this initiative.
A word from the project co-director:
Prof Segun Fatumo, Professor and Chair of Genomic Diversity at Queen Mary University of London and Head of NCD Genomics at the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit explains:
"I am honoured and excited to announce the launch of KidneyGenAfrica: a partnership to deliver research and training excellence in the genomics of kidney disease in Africa, at the African Society for Human Genetics conference. This initiative underscores our dedication to transforming the landscape of genomics research across the continent. Together with our partners, we aim to train over 100 early-career researchers in Africa by providing access to world-class training, mentorship, and tools. Our vision is to open doors to unparalleled opportunities for these researchers to excel in the field of genomics and pave the way for innovative discoveries that will shape the future of kidney disease research and treatment, in Africa and across the globe."
Stay tuned for updates as KidneyGenAfrica embarks on this exciting journey to transform kidney genomics research in Africa and beyond.
