Genomic Surveillance of AMR across the Human–Animal–Environmental Interface

The Society for African Genomic Surveillance of AMR (SAGeSA) is proud to announce the Genomic Surveillance of AMR across the Human–Animal–Environmental Interface Symposium, in partnership with The National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) and Wellcome Connecting Science (WCS)

A resilient global surveillance system for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) depends on an integrated, multidisciplinary community equipped with strong genomic expertise. As AMR continues to threaten health across species and ecosystems, the convergence of genomics and the One Health approach has become essential for developing effective responses.

This symposium will unite experts in human medicine, veterinary science, agriculture, environmental microbiology, and social science to explore how cutting-edge genomic technologies are transforming our understanding of multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant pathogens.

Sessions will examine how bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites spread through interconnected ecosystems—including the food chain, wildlife populations, and waterborne routes—and how these insights are shaping real-world interventions. Case studies will highlight community engagement and social science contributions to ethical, participatory genomic surveillance. Discussions will focus on ensuring that genomic data generation and use are scientifically robust, socially responsible, and responsive to local and global health priorities.

A key focus will be translating genomic data into action—from improved surveillance and outbreak prevention to the design of novel diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines that strengthen human and animal health.

By bringing together scientists, policymakers, and community advocates, the symposium aims to sustain a collaborative African network for sharing ideas, data, and best practices in AMR genomics, supporting capacity building and equitable participation across the continent.

Target audience 

This symposium is designed for scientists, policymakers, and health practitioners working in pathogen genomics and AMR, with a special focus on Africa-based experts across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.

We particularly encourage participation from early- to mid-career scientists, including those in social sciences, ethics, and policy, who are committed to advancing genomic capacity and equitable collaboration in One Health contexts.

The symposium will take place on 6–7 March 2025 at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The two-day event will include workshops, lightning talks, posters, panel discussions, and networking sessions, alongside keynote and invited presentations.

Discussions will centre on the following key themes:

1. Global impact and current status of AMR in Africa
2. Genomic approaches for AMR surveillance
3. Understanding the spread of AMR from a One Health perspective
4. Integrating genomic information for surveillance of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens
5. Translating genomic information into interventions and innovation
6. Data sharing, governance frameworks, and ethics
7. Community engagement and social science in genomic surveillance

Scientific programme committee

Richael Mills
University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Noutin Michodigni
Michodigni Supranational Reference Lab for Tuberculosis, Benin

Caroline Maluleka  
National Institute for Communicable Diseases, South Africa 

Matifan Dereje Olana 
Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia

Engelbert Bain Luchuo
The African Population and Health Research Center, Kenya

Adedolapo Suleiman-Adeyemo
University of Ibadan, Nigeria

Organisers

Isabela Malta
Wellcome Connecting Science

Cassandra Claire Soo
Wellcome Connecting Science

Karon Chappell
Wellcome Connecting Science

Mpho Thanjekwayo
National Institute for Communicable Diseases 

Alice Matimba 
Wellcome Connecting Science

To submit an abstract, you must first register for the symposium. Once your registration is completed, you will be emailed a link to submit to the abstract submission portal. If you wish to edit your abstract following submission, please use the link in the abstract acknowledgement email.

All abstracts must be submitted and, if desired, edited by the deadline. The scientific programme committee will then assess your abstract and you will be notified about 2 weeks after the deadline whether you have been selected to give an oral or poster presentation. If you require acknowledgment that your abstract has been accepted earlier than this, please contact the event organiser.

Poster boards onsite will accommodate 118 cm high by 84 cm wide (A0-portrait) of printed material. Accepted abstracts will appear in the conference programme book; poster board numbers will be allocated at the conference.

All those accepted for a poster presentation will also have the opportunity present a ~1-2 min ‘poster pitch’ summarising their work.

The symposium is free to attend.

A limited number of bursaries will be available. Participants with accepted abstracts will be offered shared accommodation (twin room) with another participant. In addition, a select number of participants invited to give oral presentations will receive travel bursaries of up to £200 (R5,500). Breakfast and lunch will be provided throughout the symposium.

Abstract and bursary deadline: 8 December 2025

Invited attendees are welcome to submit abstracts for short talks and poster presentations on the main themes specified.

Abstracts will only be considered from registered delegates. Please use our online abstract submission system and follow the instructions given to ensure your abstract is submitted correctly. All abstracts must be submitted by the deadline. You can make changes to your submitted abstract before of the deadline by logging into your account and following the instructions

If you have already completed your registration and subsequently wish to submit an abstract, or wish to submit a second abstract, please follow these instructions.

The scientific programme committee will assess your abstract after the deadline has passed and you will be notified whether you have been selected to present a short talk or poster presentation.

If you are interested in supporting this meeting, please get in touch. All sponsorship income will fund travel bursaries for participants who have submitted the best abstracts. For details of the benefits of having a presence at the meeting, please see our sponsorship page.