Dr Nchangwi Munung

Public Understanding of Big data in Genomics Medicine in Africa

Nchangwi Syntia Munung is a bioethics researcher at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Her work focuses on science for society, with particular attention to justice and fairness in global health research, ethical data sharing, public and patient engagement in science, the responsible use of data science and genetics in health research, including sickle cell disease and infectious diseases and pyscho-social considerations in health research and medicine. Drawing on African philosophical worldviews and using both empirical and normative approaches, she contributes to discussions on how openness, transparency, shared decision making, accountability, equity and social considerations can be embedded in health research and innovation.

Dr Aminu Musa

Role of Data Streams In Informing Infection Dynamics in Africa- INFORM Africa

Dr. MUSA Aminu is a neuroscientist and science communication expert with a doctorate in addiction neuroscience. Dr. Musa's research focuses on understanding the effects of THC and CBD on synaptic plasticity and addiction-related behaviors by examining behavioral, transcriptional, and microRNA-related mechanisms. His work addresses current concerns about cannabis legalization and the adolescent brain, especially as African countries move toward legalizing cannabis. As a science communication expert, he supports the INFORM Africa project's administrative core by employing innovative science communication strategies (including radio drama series, using storytelling to report research outcomes, animations, newsletters, etc.) to ensure the hub's outputs reach both the scientific community and a broader non-scientific audience. He has also played a key role in the success of INFORM Africa's community engagement strategies, which involve co-creating with communities, building trust, and translating research outputs at the community level. His co-creation model with communities has led to two manuscripts currently underway for publication. Dr. Musa has also contributed to several initiatives within DS-I Africa, including a manuscript on engaging policymakers in health research in Africa, in collaboration with the partnership and outreach working group. He currently serves as the chairperson of the DS-I Africa consortium partnership and outreach working group.