The 11th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences opened on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, with a resounding call to action for building robust institutional frameworks for biorisk management in medical research.
Held at the Old Great Hall, College of Medicine (CMUL), Idi Araba, Lagos, the event attracted a distinguished audience of researchers, educators, policymakers, and students.
Head of the Department of Microbiology at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife Professor Nkem Torimiro delivered the keynote address. She emphasized the theme of the conference, 鈥淏uilding Institutional Capacity for Biorisk Management 鈥� The Framework for Responsible Medical Sciences Research,鈥� as a critical step toward advancing safe and ethical scientific inquiry.
A passionate advocate of global health security, Professor Torimiro highlighted the increasing importance of biorisk management in the face of global health crises like Ebola and COVID-19.
According to her 鈥淏iorisk management integrates biosafety, biosecurity, risk assessment, and continuous monitoring to safeguard laboratory personnel, the public, and the environment鈥�.
Drawing from her extensive experience, she underscored the need for institutions to adopt forward-thinking approaches that prioritize collaboration, education, and adherence to global best practices.
Her presentation elaborated on the core components of biorisk management, including containment protocols, secure storage, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). She noted that building institutional capacity would enhance compliance with international standards, bolster public trust, and enable swift responses to bioterrorism threats and pandemics.
The keynote speaker also called for interdisciplinary collaboration to address gaps in biorisk capacity, urging participants to explore actionable solutions during the conference. She cited successful implementations at OAU as examples of how institutions can lead the charge in improving biorisk management within Nigeria and beyond.
Director, Academic Planning Unit, Professor Mathew Olusoji Ilori represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, at the event.
He reaffirmed the university鈥檚 dedication to fostering a research environment that prioritizes safety and ethical practices. He emphasized that strengthening institutional capacity is critical for advancing research in infectious diseases and vaccine development.
Similarly, Deputy Provost, (CMUL), Professor Daniel Oluwafemi Odebiyi, representing the Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Adewale Antonio Oke commended the College鈥檚 alignment with global standards of biorisk management. He stressed the importance of interdisciplinary partnerships in addressing complex health challenges and improving community health outcomes.
Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Professor Akinniyi Osuntoki in his earlier address, expressed excitement over the overwhelming response to this year鈥檚 theme.
According to him, the conference received about 70 abstracts, demonstrating a growing interest in closing the gaps in biorisk management research. He emphasized that the conference鈥檚 research outputs could enhance national and global preparedness while transforming policy and practice in managing biological risks.
Acknowledging local and international funding support for some of the showcased studies, Professor Osuntoki called for increased investment to drive innovation, patenting, and commercialization that will not only strengthen national biosecurity but also contribute to our country鈥檚 economic growth.
The conference provided students with a unique platform to engage with leading professionals and actively participate in shaping the future of medical research. The event reaffirmed 大香蕉视频鈥檚 commitment to advancing research that is safe, responsible, and impactful.
The conference which concludes on Thursday, November 28, 2024, will allow participants to explore strategies that will shape the next generation of medical research and innovation, with a focus on minimizing risk and maximizing impact. 聽聽
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Samuel Dosunmu
