Wafaa Rashed, Chair and Founder of Pan-African PGS Education and Research Initiative, shared on LinkedIn:
“The Future of African Genomics Is Being Built Today
What happens when scientists stop asking only:
‘What can science discover?’
-and begin asking:
‘What policies will ensure that those discoveries actually improve people’s lives?’
That is the question at the heart of the 19th PAPERI Cohort: Policy Advocacy in Genetics and Genomics.
Today, we are proud to share the official promotional video introducing a remarkable group of participants who have come together with a shared purpose: to learn, to question, to advocate, and ultimately to lead.
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Nigeria
- Uganda
- Liberia
- Tanzania
- India
They come from different countries, different professional backgrounds, and different areas of interest.
But they share one conviction:
Genomics must not remain confined to laboratories and scientific publications.
It must become part of policies, and this is why policy advocacy matters.
Africa possesses extraordinary human genetic diversity. We have talented scientists, clinicians, researchers, public health professionals, and young leaders.
What we need is a generation equipped not only with scientific knowledge – but with the ability to communicate evidence, engage stakeholders, challenge policies, build partnerships, and advocate for change.
The 19th Cohort is one step toward building that generation.
And we are incredibly proud to see participants from across Africa – and beyond – recognizing that the future of genomics requires all of us to work together.
Watch the 19th Cohort Promotional Video
Then join us for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to this journey:
– 19th Cohort Final Debate Session
– Saturday, 29 August 2026
– 2:00 PM Cairo Time
Our participants will take on challenging policy questions, defend their arguments, listen to opposing perspectives, and put their policy advocacy skills into action.
This is more than a debate. It is a glimpse into the future of genomics leadership.
A future where African scientists are not simply consumers of policies developed elsewhere.
They are the people sitting at the table.
They are shaping the questions.
They are presenting the evidence.
They are influencing decisions.
They are building the policies.
And when we see this generation stepping forward, we can say with confidence: Africa’s future is in safe hands.
Our Continent. Our Voices. Our Genomics Future.
PAPERI – Empowering Africa’s Next Generation of Leaders in Genetics, Genomics, and Policy Advocacy.
Please watch, share, and help us amplify the voices of this inspiring generation.”