The University of Cape Town has launched the African Genomics Short Course (AGSC), a 10-day training programme aimed at strengthening African leadership in global genetic research and addressing the continent’s severe underrepresentation in genomic data. – TimesLive (1 Dec 2025)
Despite Africa having the greatest human genetic diversity, less than 2% of analysed genomes are of African origin. The AGSC seeks to close this gap by equipping 30 emerging scientists with skills in human and infectious disease genomics, bioinformatics, AI, medical genetics, public health genomics, and research ethics. Led collaboratively by UCT, the African Society of Human Genetics, Wellcome Connecting Science, and The Jackson Laboratory, the initiative emphasises equitable partnerships shaped by African priorities. Designed as a rotating, sustainable model, the programme aims to build a pipeline of experts capable of establishing local genomics capacity across the continent. By expanding African participation in precision medicine, the AGSC hopes to advance scientific equity and improve health outcomes tailored to African populations.