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Future of Spatial biology and Multi-Omics in Africa: A Synopsis of CESORA 2023 Inaugural Meeting

Dr. Kameni, IBHI senior postdoc and University of Bamenda Lecturer attended the inaugural meeting of CESORA2023, centered around “Introduction to Spatial Multi-Omics Research in Africa.” on 6 -9 November 2023.
To address the prevalent challenges faced by African researchers in the highly specialized field of omics, the Centre of Excellence for Spatial Omics Research in Africa (CESORA) in Durban has defined clear objectives to revive research in this field.
Accessing top-tier omics technology still remains a challenge for omics African researchers, due to limited availability in the African continent CESORA, through initiatives like workshops, training, and grants, is actively addressing this issue by providing robust support to African scientists in the field.
Participating in the inaugural meeting was inspiring, giving participants the opportunity to network with other experts in Africa and even more refined research ideas.

The workshop lasted for four consecutive and intensive days and offered a comprehensive overview of spatial multi-omics methodologies and their implications for advanced scientific inquiry, particularly infectious diseases.

The morning sessions focused on establishing a solid foundation in imaging techniques, with Prof. Threnesan Naidoo and Prof. Kathleen Bushman-Sahay providing fundamental insights into immunohistochemistry (IHC) and RNA-Protein Co-Detection (ISH-IHC), respectively; whereas by featuring in-depth discussions on imaging technologies, basic microscopy, and next-generation sequencing fundamentals, practical afternoon sessions were applying theoretical principles to real-world experiments. Facilitated by experts from Prof. Ndhlovu’s lab, AHRI, and UKZN, these lab sessions fostered a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in spatial biology.