Recorded from NC State’s GES Colloquium, this podcast examines how biotechnologies take shape in the world: microbiome engineering in built environments, gene editing and gene drives, forest and agricultural genomics, data governance and equity, risk and regulation, sci-art, and public engagement in practice.

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African Conversations: Insights of African stakeholders on biocontrol technologies for malaria control

Zoom ONLY | Insights from African stakeholders on the opportunities, concerns, and governance priorities shaping the future of gene drive technologies for malaria control

This presentation shares insights from the African Conversations Initiative, a multi-phase effort to integrate African stakeholder perspectives into the research and development of gene drive modified mosquitoes for malaria control and elimination. Engaging more than 500 participants across multiple countries, including researchers, regulators, policymakers, community and faith leaders, youth groups, civil society, and media, the initiative examines awareness, perceptions, perceived benefits, and major concerns surrounding emerging biocontrol technologies. It identifies critical scientific, regulatory, governance, and communication gaps that may hinder responsible research and future implementation, and highlights stakeholder-driven recommendations to strengthen local capacity, transparency, and context-specific evidence generation across African settings.

Related links:

• African Conversations Initiative
• Download seminar poster

Lina Finda, PhD

Director at African Conversations Initiative and Senior Researcher at Ifakara Health Institute | Profile

Lina Finda is a public health researcher and co-founder of the African Conversations Initiative, which convenes diverse African stakeholders to reflect on emerging health priorities and ensure that new technologies and innovations serve communities ethically, responsibly, and effectively. She is also a senior researcher at Ifakara Health Institute in Tanzania, where her work focuses on malaria transmission dynamics, particularly human-mosquito interactions, and the potential of innovative strategies to reduce and eliminate transmission. Lina holds an MPH, an MBA, and a PhD in Public Health, and her research focuses on inclusive stakeholder engagement to identify critical gaps and shape practical, community-driven solutions that advance health and wellbeing across Africa.

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The Genetic Engineering and Society (GES) Colloquium is a seminar series that brings in speakers to present and stimulate discussion on a variety of topics related to existing and proposed biotechnologies and their place within broader societal changes.

GES Colloquium is taught by Dr. Zack Brown, and the seminars serve as a great opportunity for our students to build their networks and grow as professionals. To support their efforts, we encourage you to join our in-person seminars, which will now take place in Nelson 4305.

Remember, we regularly post colloquium seminars as videos on Panopto and on our GES Lectures podcast, allowing you to revisit or catch up on these recordings at your convenience.

Please subscribe to the GES newsletter and LinkedIn for updates.

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Genetic Engineering and Society Center

Colloquium Home | Zoom Registration | Watch Colloquium Videos | LinkedIn | Newsletter

GES Center at NC State University—Integrating scientific knowledge & diverse public values in shaping the futures of biotechnology.

Produced by Patti Mulligan, Communications Director, GES Center, NC State

Find out more at https://ges-center-lectures-ncsu.pinecast.co