Scientists Urge Africa-Led Genomics Research to Explore Human Origins

Scientists Urge Africa-Led Genomics Research to Explore Human Origins
Image credit: Xinhuanet 

International scientists have emphasized the need for Africa to spearhead research into the genetic composition of early humans, recognizing the continent as the cradle of humanity.

A consortium of 36 scientists from Africa, North America, Asia, Europe, and Australia co-authored a paper published by the American Journal of Human Genetics. The paper, launched in Nairobi, advocates for bolstering the capacity of African nations to conduct genomics research to understand human evolution.

Fredrick Manthi, director of Antiquities, Sites, and Monuments at the National Museums of Kenya, highlighted Africa's rich repository of fossils and tools used by early humans. He stressed that home-grown research is essential to appreciating humanity's common heritage despite cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity.

Manthi also emphasized the importance of collaboration between African researchers and their counterparts from the Global North and South to enhance the study and understanding of ancient human genetics.

Elizabeth Sawchuk, associate curator of human evolution at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in the United States, noted that sustaining African-led research on species evolution requires investment in supportive infrastructure like DNA labs and training local scientists. She stressed that African policymakers, scientists, and local communities should be central to creating a more inclusive and equitable genomics research agenda.

The scientific paper advocates for developing an ethical research roadmap on human evolution in Africa to gain the trust of local custodians of archeological sites preserving fossils and ancient tools.

Artifacts images at the National Museum of Kenya
Image credit: Xinhuanet news 

Christine Ogola, head of Archaeology at the National Museums of Kenya, affirmed African scientists' commitment to establishing a dynamic research ecosystem to revitalize studies on human evolution. She also emphasized that African research institutions should engage in community outreach to improve understanding of the genetic makeup of ancient and modern human societies.

The scientists believe that collaborative research into Africa's vast human genetic diversity is crucial for understanding how societies evolved from the prehistoric age.