The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) will convene the NBA International Scientific Conference 2027 from 1–4 February 2027 in Nairobi, Kenya.

The conference will bring together scientists, policymakers, biosafety regulators, researchers, industry representatives, development partners, the media, and other stakeholders to advance responsible biotechnology innovation for sustainable development.

To be held under the theme ‘From Innovation to Impact: Advancing Safe Biotechnology through Regional Collaboration, Regulatory Excellence and Knowledge Partnerships for Sustainable Agriculture, Health and Environment’, the conference will provide a multi-stakeholder platform for knowledge exchange, scientific dialogue, strengthening biosafety oversight, and building partnerships to support the responsible application of biotechnology.

The conference comes at a time when advances in modern biotechnology are creating new opportunities and regulatory considerations for agriculture, food security, human and animal health, and environmental sustainability.

Notably, discussions will focus on how scientific innovation, effective regulation, and regional cooperation can work together to address development challenges while ensuring appropriate biosafety oversight.

Specifically, the four-day conference will explore key areas, including modern biotechnology for food security and economic growth; emerging biotechnologies and regulatory preparedness; regional harmonisation of biosafety systems; climate resilience, biodiversity and environmental stewardship; and partnerships and financing for biotechnology development.

In addition, participants will also examine the role of science communication, public participation and stakeholder engagement in strengthening public understanding of biotechnology and addressing misinformation.

The programme will further explore how education, research, policy, and governance can be connected to translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions that benefit society.

Equally, the conference will provide a platform for examining emerging technologies, including genome editing, CRISPR-based tools, gene drives, digital and synthetic biology, and the application of artificial intelligence in biotechnology research.

Discussions will consider the implications of these developments for risk assessment, regulatory preparedness, and governance.

Regional cooperation will be another key focus, with participants examining opportunities for harmonising biosafety regulatory systems, sharing scientific and regulatory information, strengthening institutional capacity, and facilitating collaboration among African countries.

Consequently, experiences from different regions will help inform discussions on innovation ecosystems, technology transfer, intellectual property, and pathways for responsible commercialisation.

According to NBA Board Chairman Mr David Wamatsi, the conference will provide an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration among scientists, regulators, policymakers, and industry.

“By bringing these stakeholders together, we can advance informed dialogue on safe biotechnology, strengthen regulatory cooperation, and explore ways in which scientific innovation can contribute to sustainable development,” Wamatsi reiterated.

On her part, NBA Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ann Karimi noted that biotechnology continues to evolve, and therefore, effective biosafety oversight, scientific evidence, and institutional preparedness must remain essential.

“This conference will provide a platform for sharing knowledge, examining emerging regulatory challenges and strengthening partnerships that support responsible biotechnology innovation in agriculture, health and the environment,” said Dr. Karimi.

Meanwhile, the conference will feature keynote addresses, technical sessions, panel discussions, poster presentations, exhibitions and high-level policy dialogue. The engagements are intended to encourage the exchange of scientific knowledge, showcase innovation, strengthen partnerships and identify opportunities for collaboration among research institutions, regulatory agencies, industry and development partners.

A dedicated session on partnerships and financing will particularly bring together development partners and private-sector representatives to discuss investment, capacity-building, and collaborative approaches to strengthening Africa’s biotechnology ecosystem.

The conference will also place emphasis on public trust and inclusive stakeholder engagement. Media practitioners, scientists and other participants will discuss effective science communication, responsible media engagement and approaches to ensuring that the public has access to accurate, accessible and evidence-based information on biotechnology and biosafety.

Ultimately, the closing session will focus on bridging education, policy and innovation, with discussions on how scientific knowledge and skills can be supported by enabling policy frameworks and effective governance to facilitate responsible applications of biotechnology for societal benefit.

Through the conference, the National Biosafety Authority will seek to strengthen national, regional and international partnerships, promote evidence-informed discussions, and contribute to stronger biosafety systems that support sustainable development.

The Authority therefore invites scientists, researchers, policymakers, regulators, universities, industry players, development partners, farmers, civil society organisations, and media practitioners to participate in the conference and contribute to discussions shaping the future of safe biotechnology in Africa and beyond.

By Michael Omondi