THE BIO-EARN NEWSLETTER
Published by the BIO-EARN Regional Co-ordinator, Uganda National Council for Science and Technology No.4 April 2002
Editorial As you may have known, last November 2001, the Sida's Research Council approved support for Phase II of the BIO-EARN Programme, which will run between 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2004. The full Programme budget, of MSEK 56, (equivalent to 5.4M USD) was granted thereby making the BIO-EARN Programme one of the most important biotechnology/biosafety and biotechnology policy capacity building initiatives world-wide!. It will be recalled that during the 1st Phase a total of 39 MSEK was granted. Therefore, in total, we are looking at a Sida support of MSEK 95 (roughly 9M USD) between the years 1999 to 2004. Under this budget, research activities will take up about 60% of the budget, 10% for Capacity Building in Biotechnology and Biosafety Policy, 20% for Networking and Workshops and 10% for Programme Co-ordination These estimates were discussed and approved by network members during their General Assembly held from February 6-10, 2002 in Entebbe, Uganda. We would like therefore, to take this opportunity to congratulate the drafting team and the Coordinators for a job well done. We would also like to thank all BIO-EARN members for their hard work, which has guaranteed continued support from Sida-SAREC. It is affirmation that the Programme had indeed produced exciting results despite the fact that it has been running for a relatively short time and we very much look forward to the second phase, which we believe will be even more exciting and challenging. Of immediate attention now is the completion of MoUs for National Focal Points for 2002 which will empower national focal points to host national workshops among other activities. The BIO-EARN webpage, which was constructed in 2000, will be given a face-lift very soon.
More urgently, there will be an evaluation of IT infrastructure requirements to facilitate upgrading more usage of the facility for networking. This will be achieved through a bioinfomatics training for network partner institutions. Also more effort will be given to the completion and launching of the 1st edition of the Biosafety Manual
Key Network and Regional Co-ordination events since May 2001 BIO-EARN holds its 4th Steering Committee Meeting The fourth BIO-EARN Steering Committee meeting took place on 30 – 31 May 2001 at Hotel Ghion, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Discussed at the meeting were activities for Phase II of the Programme. Other issues discussed included the impact of the BIO-EARN policy capacity building programme, faculty training proposal for 2001, workshops for national biotechnology policy workshops in 2001 and steering committee rotation schemes. Issues regarding handling of bio-ethics in the Programme were highlighted but were deferred to the next Steering Committee meeting. BIO-EARN Publishes Two BIO-EARN Publications (a) Public/Private Partnerships for Biotechnology in Africa and (b) Bio-prospecting in Ethiopia: Enhancing scientific and technological capacity; were published by the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) in September 2002. Earlier on A discussion policy paper "Entitled Biotechnology in sub-Saharan Africa: Policy and Institutional Options had come out of the press. These publications have already been distributed to the network. Progress on the Biosafety Manual The Regional office organized a 3-day meeting for members of the BIO-EARN manual drafting committee from 20-22 December 2001. A draft manual document was formulated for tabling at the General Assembly at their meeting held on 6th February 2002. BIO-EARN holds a Regional IPR Workshop A regional workshop under the theme "Institutional Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), a model for the University" was hosted by the Kenyan Focal Point at the Masai Mara Serena Hotel from 6-7th December 2001. The workshop participants nominated a regional IPR resource group to spear head formulation of IPR and other biotechnology and biosafety policies for the region. The 3rd BIO-EARN General Assembly is convened The regional Office organised the 3rd BIO-EARN General Assembly in Kampala Uganda from 68th February 2002. The workshop was opened by the Minister of State for Environment, Hon. Dr. Kezimbira Miyingo, who noted that biotechnology had potential to assist our countries in solving some of the problems especially those related to food production if well introduced. During the scientific part of the assembly, all BIO-EARN students presented their projects and 1
preliminary results for discussion. The workshop also broke up into smaller groups and discussed the various BIO-EARN key themes in detail (agricultural, environmental, industrial biotechnology and, biosafety and policy). The second part of the workshop was devoted to discussion on implementation of activities proposed for the second phase. Details of the assembly proceedings are in annex 1. IBS/ISNAR signs up to work with BIO-EARN on Policy issues in 2002-2004 The BIO-EARN conducted several planning meetings at ISNAR in the Hague, Netherlands in early April 2002 to discuss issues relating to Policy development activities of the BIO-EARN Programme during Phase II under the IBS/ISNAR support to the BIO-EARN Programme.
News from Focal Points
Kenya Mrs Grace Thitai moves on. Mrs. Grace Thitai the focal points person for Kenya left the National Council for Science and Technology (NCST) Kenya, to join the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Mrs. Salome Kirea, head of the Biological Sciences Department at the NCST was appointed to replace her as the BIOEARN focal point person. We heartily welcome her to the network. Kenya Convenes a National workshop on Safety in Biotechnology of Foods and Feeds A workshop on Safety in Biotechnology of Foods and Feeds was held at PANAFRICA Hotel, Kenya organized by the Kenyan BIO-EARN Focal Point from 17-18 October 2001 to chat out ways to include biosafety issues in existing national policies. The meeting brainstormed on mechanisms for creating awareness among stakeholders, private sector participation, policy regulation and legislation, capacity building and information technology. A small committee was formed to handle these issues at national level.
Uganda Uganda establishes a BIO-EARN National Group A national BIO-EARN group was established to handle BIO-EARN focal point matters for Uganda. Mr. Julius Ecuru, a Science Secretary for S&T Management at the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), was seconded to replace Dr C. Mugoya who was doubling up as Regional Co-ordinator and focal point representative. Other members of the team include Dr S. Kyamanywa (Head, Crop Science Department, Makerere University (Chairperson). Dr Kironde, Biochemistry Department, Makerere University, Dr Z.M. Nyiira, Uganda National Council for Science and Technology
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Uganda addresses issues on access to Genetic Resources Trade in genetic resources largely driven by global search in plants and animals for new therapeutic remedies to combat new diseases and overcome drug resistance in human beings has been on the increase. In light of this, the national BIO-EARN Focal Point at the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) organized a two day national workshop under the theme "Access to Genetic Resources with particular emphasis on research and biotechnology transfer", at the Sheraton Hotel, Kampala, Uganda from 24-25 October 2001. The meeting discussed issues relating to; (a) policies, legislations and institutional framework appropriate for the acquisition of biotechnology, and in exchange for genetic resources; (b) strengthening of individual and institutional capacities to negotiate for benefits from genetic resources through Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs). Uganda explores Public-Private sector Partnerships for Biotechnology development Advances in biotechnology in developed countries have primarily been supported and driven by the private sector. It was with this background that the national BIO-EARN Focal at the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) organized and held a two day national workshop on 28-29th November 2001 entitled "Enlarging Public-Private sector partnerships for Biotechnology in Uganda" at the Grand Imperial Hotel, Kampala, Uganda. The issues discussed during the meeting included; (a) ways to foster linkages between public and private sector institutions in biotechnology R&D; (b) mechanisms and strategies for creating effective and sustainable public-private partnerships for biotechnology development in Uganda.
TANZANIA Tanzania reaches consensus on Biotechnology R&D The National BIO-EARN Focal Point organised a National workshop on Biotechnology R&D in Tanzania: "Current Status and Envisaged Potential" from 12-13 November 2001. The workshop aimed at obtaining information, facts and figures about the current status of biotechnology research and development activities in Tanzania with emphasis on: (i) areas of research, (ii) institutions involved, (iii) sources of funds, as well as (iv) on available human and laboratory capacities. The main outputs from the meetings were the identification of strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for biotechnology R&D in Tanzania. Other workshops held included one on "Matching Institutional Capabilities to National Needs and International Requirements" which was held from 4-5th December 2001. This workshop identified appropriate policy guidelines for effective management of increased R&D in Biotechnology taking into consideration national needs and the requirement to implement relevant international agreements. The last workshop "Biotechnology R&D in Tanzania: Towards Formulation of Conducive Biotechnology Policy options and Draft Policy Framework" was held Kola Hill Hotel, Morogoro, Tanzania from 10-11 January 2002. The workshop resulted in draft policy statements and plan of action for adoption of a Biotechnology policy framework in Tanzania.
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Ethiopia There has been a change in the top leadership at the Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission (ESTC). A new Commissioner, Mr. Mulugeta Amha was appointed to replace Mr Asrat Bulbula as the head of the Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission (ESTC) and we warmly welcome him to the BIO-EARN fraternity. BIO-EARN Steering Committee pays a courtesy call Ethiopian network institutions The BIO-EARN Steering Committee paid a courtesy call all the network institutions in Ethiopia on 31st may 2001. The meetings were co-ordinated and managed by the focal point at ESTC. Ethiopia Organizes a National Workshop on Biotechnology Policy The Ethiopian National Focal Point organised a national workshop on Biotechnology Policy Development in Ethiopia from 10-12 December 2001. The workshop brought together all stakeholders to discuss and improve upon the draft National Biotechnology Policy.
UPCOMING EVENTS BIO-EARN website Updating In its quest to have the BIO-EARN achievements and activities made available to the rest of the world, the BIO-EARN website will be updated in June 2002. Dr. Howard Cambridge from the SEI York Office will conduct refresher training for the Regional Co-ordinator and his Assistant on website issues. The BIO-EARN website was developed not only to keep the network members informed, but also to function as an outreach tool. Course on Plant Biotechnology and Biosafety, Wageningen, the Nertherlands, A course designed partly as a training Programme on Biotechnology, plant breeding and seed technology is being organised by the International Agriculture centre in close co-operation with Plant Research International and Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University from 13th -24th May 2002. The course is intended to create better understanding of the biosafety aspects of biotechnology and strengthen the scientific biotechnology foundation of research officials and policy makers in this field. The BIO-EARN Programme will sponsor 10 participants from Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania to attend. These are, Dr Zehurin Woldu and Mr Solomon Kebede (Ethiopia); Prof. Jenesio Kinyamario and Mr Peter Mwangi (Kenya); Dr Mugassa Rubindamayugi, Dr Francis Magingo and Ms Flora Ismail (Tanzania) and Dr Edema Richard, Mr Yona Baguma and Mr Mwesigye Rubatiina (Uganda). IT Evaluation Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are developing at a dramatic pace especially in developed countries. A survey showed that most BIO-EARN members frequently use E-mail and Internet services. Although network members have personal E-mail addresses, the 4
majority shared computers to access Internet and E-mail information. Therefore, BIO-EARN institutions require IT services and telecommunications facilities such as: Computers with access to the Internet; modern software to support Internet applications; training on the use and access of Internet Information storage/management capacity; printers/photocopiers and scanners/digital cameras to facilitate networking activities. This will contribute to the development of efficient research and policy development. In response, the BIO-EARN Programme therefore, intends to achieve basic IT infrastructure; train network members on and use of Internet facilities. This will be preceded by IT evaluation mission by a consultant who will travel to all the four countries and evaluate needs for all network institutions. BIO-EARN sets up a Regional IPR Resource Group The BIOEARN Programme has set a special task force of 3 experts from each country to spearhead formulation of policies initially in the area of IPR and later in other fields. The group will hold their first Regional Planning meeting in Nairobi from 16-19, June 2002. The International Service for National Agriculture Research (ISNAR) has been contracted to assist the Programme to develop IPR policies and technology transfer mechanisms in the BIO-EARN institutions.
Announcements BIO-EARN gets an Assistant Coordinator The BIO-EARN Programme recruited Dr. John Armstrong Bananuka as an Assistant Regional Co-ordinator. Dr Bananuka assumed his duties on 22nd April 2002. He assists the Regional Coordinator in the day to day duties of coordinating regional activities. He comes to BIO-EARN with a Ph.D. in Agriculture from Makerere University. Dr. J.A. Bananuka is warmly welcome to the BIO-EARN fraternity. Joint BIO-EARN Focal Points National Focal Point meetings There will be a joint BIO-EARN Joint National Focal Points meetings in Nairobi from 20-21 June 2001. The joint national focal point meeting will take place 2002. The meeting will discuss among other things national activities, news from focal points and IT support fund distribution among BIO-EARN institutions etc. The 5th BIO-EARN Steering Committee's Meeting There will be a 5th BIO-EARN Steering Committee from 9-12 September 2002 in Stockholm, Sweden. As usual the meeting will focus on the review the activities and performance of the Programme as well as offering guidance. During the last Steering Committee meeting, a policy for rotation of its members was developed. In the meantime, Dr .J. Wafula and Dr Cathy Ives both members of the Steering Committee have applied for retirement. Dr Chis Ngichabe was unanimously nominated by the Kenyan Institutional network partners to replace Dr John Wafula. The slot left by Dr Cathy Ives is yet to be filled in.
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Biosafety Manual Meeting A meeting to revise content for the Biosafety manual will be held sometime in July 2002. The meeting will come up with a line up of content, which has been revised to incorporate suggestions made at the last General Assembly and will be tested in a regional workshop on Tools and Methods for Biosafety Assessment scheduled for November 2002. Regional Workshop on Tools and Methods for Biosafety Assessment A regional workshop on Tools and Methods for Biosafety Assessment scheduled for November 2002. This workshop is intended to give regulatory scientists and policy maker's hands on training in biosafety risk assessment and management to enable them implement biosafety duties in an efficient and science based manner. The launch of the Biosafety manual at this workshop will go along way in increasing self-sufficiency of regulatory authorities and support them through their decision making process.
For more information on the BIO-EARN Programme Contact the BIO-EARN Co-ordinators Dr Mugoya Charles Uganda National Council for Science and Technology P.O. Box 6884, Kampala, Uganda tel:+256 41 250499 or 077 409 835 fax: +256 41 234579 email:
[email protected] Dr Virgin, Ivar Biotechnology Advisory Center (BAC) of the Stockholm Environment Institute Box 2142, 103 14 Stockholm, Sweden tel: +46 8 412 14 20 fax: +46 8 723 03 48 email:
[email protected] Ms Forsman, Benita Biotechnology Advisory Center (BAC) of the Stockholm Environment Institute Box 2142, 103 14 Stockholm, Sweden tel: +46 8 412 14 22 fax: +46 8 723 03 48 email:
[email protected] Website: http://www.bio-earn.org
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