The University of Eldoret, Kenya, under the auspices and support of the Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution (SMBE) will host the SMBE Regional Symposium on Evolutionary Genomics in Agriculture, Environment, Biodiversity conservation and Health 2025, in Eldoret.  Evolutionary genomics is important in addressing critical questions and providing tools and strategies in agricultural production, natural resource management and biodiversity conservation, because of their power, accuracy and applicability, supported by advanced analytical and computational platforms. Anthropogenic activities have impacted natural ecosystems, leading to environmental disturbances, habitat fragmentation and destruction, overexploitation of natural resources, emergence of pathogens and pests, increasing disease incidences and burden. These challenges are exacerbated by climate change, severely reducing agricultural productivity, environmental health and ecosystem services. This meeting will bring together both African and international scientists to discuss Genomics approaches and tools in understanding evolutionary patterns and trends, and application of these tools for sustainable exploitation of resources, agricultural productivity, and improved environmental and human health.

Main theme: The role of evolutionary genomics in addressing challenges in agriculture and environment in Africa.

Sub themes

1. Genomics and biodiversity conservation,
2. Genomics in crop improvement and production,
3. Genomics in animal breeding,
4. Evolutionary genomics in fisheries: Rapid diversification of cichlids of the Great Lakes of Africa ,
5. Genomics and evolution of antimicrobial resistance in agriculture, medicine and environment,
6. Genomics in diagnosis, surveillance and management of diseases and epidemics,
7. The African Biogenome Project 

Key Dates

1. Dates of the Symposium: 8th to 11th September, 2025,
2. Deadline for submitting Abstracts: 7th July, 2025,
3. Conference registration: 15th August, 2025

Symposium Registration Fee

Venue
Access the Nobel Hotel and Conference Centre services using link: https://thenoble.co.ke/

Symposium Planning Committee

1. Dr. James Barasa Echessa - Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Eldoret, Chairperson
2. Prof. Lizzy Aluoch Mwamburi - Director of Research and Innovation, University of Eldoret, Member
3. Dr. Samuel Kariuki - Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eldoret, Member
4. Dr. Vivian Tuei - Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Member
5. Dr. Wilson Sawasawa - Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Belgium, Member
6. Dr. Kennedy Pkania - Department of Biotechnology, University of Eldoret, Member
7. Dr. Emily Chemoiwa - Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eldoret, Secretariat
8. Dr. Benson Nyongesa - Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eldoret, Member

Contact Details
Send inquiries and abstracts to: ridirector@uoeld.ac.ke and jbarasa@uoeld.ac.ke

Abstracts
The abstract should not exceed 300 words. Include names of author and co-authors, but underline the name of the presenter. Also indicate the sub theme under which it should be considered. 

Bank Details
 

Bursaries
Support with modest bursaries for students and early career scientists, to enable a wider participation among these groups and some countries.

Hotel Accommodation
Delegates participating in the symposium will need to book and cover their hotel room accommodation. Eldoret has many Hotels and details of these will be provided in due course.

Travel
Delegates will be responsible for own travel costs and arrangements in to and out of Kenya. Reliable and safe air travel and connectivity exists between Nairobi and Eldoret. Delegates may also choose to travel by road from Nairobi to Eldoret. However, airport transfer from and to Eldoret International airport will be provided to delegates.