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The Biosciences Facility. Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BecA) being established as part of NEPAD’s network of centres of excellence Ed Rege Director, Biotechnology International Livestock Research Institute. Outline. What is BecA? How will it work? Where are we now?. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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The Biosciences Facility
Biosciences eastern and central Africa(BecA)
being established as part of NEPAD’s network of centres of excellence
Ed RegeDirector, Biotechnology
International Livestock Research Institute
Outline
1. What is BecA?
2. How will it work?
3. Where are we now?
BecA Defined (1)
BecA is a new initiative under NEPAD’s Comprehensive African
Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) Being developed under framework of Centres of
Excellence for Science and Technology Aims to employ modern biotechnology to improve
agriculture in eastern and central Africa
BecA Defined (2)
BecA seeks to: strengthen the capacity of scientists in eastern
and central Africa to conduct bioscience research Significantly contribute to improved products
that can improve livelihoods of farmers in the region
BecA Defined (3)
Core of BecA will be a joint venture of regional research partners linked to the global research community
Expected features of the research: Regional/national priorities individual research projects organized in research consortia bringing together teams Opportunity for strong links, as necessary, to researchers
internationally (e.g. ARIs, CGIAR)
BecA Origins (1)
For years, ILRI had been involved in capacity building in biosciences relevant for livestock research and development
Difficulty to meet high and increasing demand to support biosciences needs (R&D, esp. training) of Africa
Limited by its ‘livestock mandate’ and available research infrastructure
BecA Origins (2)
ILRI considered that the demand could be met by building on existing capacity to better serve biosciences needs for Eastern Africa
Consultation and the resulting report drew the interest of NEPAD & others
BecA Origins (3)
Recognition of convergence of ideas and purpose (2002)
Decision to pursue the concept - with a focus on Biosciences
NEXT concrete steps: Side event at the CGIAR AGM in Manila in 2002 –
NEPAD presentation Establishment of interim Steering committee Presentation of concept at several subsequent meetings
=> increasing interest in concept
BecA Origins (4)
Proposal to CIDA for refurbishment of facilities to respond to growing demands and new science opportunities
NEPAD’s support for ILRI’s grant application to CIDA – as a potential hub
Continuing broader discussions to obtain wider interest/support for the concept
About BecA
How will it work?
Objectives (1)
Focal point for African scientists to address high priority problems Creation and strengthening of human capital Promoting scientific excellence by bringing in
national, regional and international scientists in state-of-the-art facilities
Provision of affordable, accessible facilities
Objectives (2)
Promotion and support of relevant science to solve priority problems
Support advice/training on biosafety and IP issues
Attract investments in biosciences in and for Africa from public and private sector, African governments, regional and international bodies
A platform for forging partnerships with other such initiatives in and out of Africa
Objectives (3)
A state of the art shared Biosciences Facility Focus on:
High priority applications in agriculture and related biosciences issues
R & D, including capacity building National and sub-regional priorities
About the initiative
Stakeholders: NARS; RECs; IARCs; R&D NGOs and similar
Operate on cost-sharing/recovery basis to ensure sustainability
Core competencies at the hub
Bioinformatics and broadband access High throughput genotyping and medium throughput
sequencing Genomics and proteomics Plant and microbial transformation techniques and
appropriate containment facilities Greenhouse with appropriate containment Animal handling and containment facilities Immunology capacity Molecular diagnostics for DNA and protein-based
diagnostics Biometrics Imaging technology
Sequencing, genotyping, Real Time PCR, microarrays, proteomics
Central Core (Glassware, wash, media prep, sterilisation)
OHS, Biosafety, Radiation safety etc IP & regulatory issues InfoCentre (Library) web access
Support Services at the Hub - examples
Training laboratory Computer training laboratory/internet Seminar rooms
Training Facilities at the Hub
What might the relationships look like?
EthiopiaNODE
EthiopiaNODE
TanzaniaNODE
TanzaniaNODE
RwandaNODE
RwandaNODE
CameroonNODE
CameroonNODE
UgandaNODE
UgandaNODE
ILRIHUB&
Secretariat
ILRIHUB&
SecretariatNARS
CGIAR orgs
NEPAD
Regional universities
Regional councils of
science and technology
Governance & Management
Governance: Steering committee (supported by a secretariat)
Management of the network (coordinated by the secretariat under a Network Director): The hub - ILRI The nodes – institutions in respective countries Other stakeholders/partners The secretariat - led by a Network Director
The Hub
A. ILRI’s role in managing the hub: Ensuring availability of the facilities Ensuring facilities keep up with
technological developments Staffing to meet technical support at the
hub and management requirements
The Hub
B. ILRI’s role in facilitating access to the hub: ‘Queue management’ to ensure orderly access Development and management of contracts Induction training to users Facilitation of project implementation through
provision of intellectual support – in terms of mentors, coaches, supervisors, partners
B. Ensuring Biosafety and OHSC. Ensuring adherence to host-country agreement with
Kenya
About BecA
Where are we now?
Current Status (1)
A. Facilities Refurbishments started early 2007
B. Capacity building and projects Competitive Grants for Fellowships Competitive Grants for Research Projects Flagship projects for Nodes Traditional CGIAR graduate fellowships New funding opportunities being sought
Current Status (2)
C. Staffing BecANet Director – recruited late 2005 BecA Platform Manager – recruitment at
advanced stage BecA Animal Research Support Scientist –
recruited April 2007 BecA Plant Research Support Scientist –
advertised April 2007
Current Status (3)
D. Grants for capacity building and projects (Jan 2007 to March 2009) - CAN$1.6m: Workshops & Group training: $200k Competitive grants
Small research grants: $330k Fellowships: $340k
Women Scientists Small research grants: $212k Fellowships: $347k
Post-conflict countries: $212k
Current Status (4)Bulletin Updates on Refurbishments
Existing
Proposed
Phasing of refurbishments
Greenhouse Facilities (1)
Website:
www.africabiosciences.org
Thank you!