This event will explore the potential future role of gene drive in combating malaria and the importance of international and interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing this effort.
It will bring together leading scientists, policymakers, and global health advocates to explore the potential of gene drive technology and other innovative solutions to achieve malaria eradication.
The event will include addresses from the memo authors, followed by a keynote address and an engaging panel discussion with a range of speakers representing academic, policy and global health advocacy groups and a Q&A session.
Agenda
Welcome and Opening Remarks from Professor Mary Ryan, Vice Provost (Research & Enterprise)
Keynote Address from Dr. Abraham Mnzava, Director of ALMA, Tanzanian Office
Brief introductions to Transmission Zero and the technology from the memo authors –
- George K. Christophides, Professor of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Imperial
- Nikolai Windbichler, Reader in Genetics, Imperial
- Dickson Wilson Lwetoijera, Principal Research Scientist, Ifakara Health Institute
Panel Discussion and Q&A session. Panellists to include –
- Dr. Honorati Masanja, Chief Executive Director, Ifakara Health Institute
- Professor Faith Osier, Chair in Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, Imperial
- Michael Santos, Senior Vice President for Science Partnerships and Chief Population Health Science Officer, FNIH
- Victoria Fowler, Head of UK Advocacy, Malaria No More
Networking reception, drinks and canapes served.
The STEM for Development Impact Memo programme aims to profile emerging areas of science and tech that can impact on development challenges, with a view to creating links to policymakers and enhancing impact and informing evidence-based interventions. They are co-authored by an Imperial academic and a counterpart in a country or region facing significant development challenges. The focus is on the scale-up potential of a science, technology or health solution, if adequately supported by policymakers and funders.
Transmission Zero is an international research programme that involves partners from Tanzania, including the Ifakara Health Institute and the National Institute of Medical Research, as well as researchers at Imperial College London. Transmission Zero develops gene drives that could be deployed to modify the genetic makeup of disease vector populations to stop transmission.
The Global Development Hub brings together Imperial’s academic community to develop, amplify and support research and education impact in Least Developed and Lower Middle Income Countries.
The Hub support’s Imperials contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Agenda 2030, and our work more broadly with some of the most vulnerable and marginalised in societies where global challenges are acutely concentrated.