The Union: Submissions Open for Late-Breaker Sessions on TB, COVID-19 and Lung Health until 12 August 2021
The 52nd Union World Conference on Lung Health is pleased to announce that submissions for Late-Breaker Sessions are open from 15 July-12 August 2021. Submit now!
In keeping with the spirit of a late-breaker session, we ask that only new, innovative and significant findings of broad interest that have occurred after 12 May, or for which information has just become available, be submitted for the late-breaker sessions.
The following three late-breaker sessions are slated for the Conference that will take place from 19-22 October 2021:
THE UNION LATE-BREAKER SESSION ON COVID-19
All aspects of SARS-CoV-2 and Covid-19-related lung health are welcomed for presentation during the late-breaker session, from basic science in immunology and vaccines, clinical trials for vaccines or therapeutics, to operational research in adults and children.
This session will consist of up to seven pre-recorded oral presentations of 8 minutes each, followed by live Q&A with the online audience.
THE UNION/CDC LATE-BREAKER SESSION ON TB
The 52nd Union World Conference on Lung Health and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are pleased to announce a late-breaker session related to tuberculosis (TB).
This late-breaker session includes all aspects of TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment research (including basic and clinical science, epidemiology, social, behavioural, and health care delivery). Given the global COVID-19 pandemic, we will also consider select presentations that explore the intersection of COVID-19 and TB prevention and programmatic implementation. It will consist of 7 pre-recorded oral presentations of 8 minutes each and live Q&A at the end of the session. The session is scheduled on 22 October 2021.
THE UNION STUDENT LATE-BREAKER SESSION ON LUNG HEALTH
The 52nd Union World Conference on Lung Health is pleased to announce the Union student late-breaker session focusing on lung health and sponsored by the Research Institute of Tuberculosis of the Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association (RIT/JATA).
All aspects of lung health are welcomed for presentation during the late-breaker session, from basic science in immunology and vaccines, to operational research in tuberculosis (TB), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), pneumonia, and other lung health issues in adults and children. This session will consist of up to seven pre-recorded oral presentations of 8 minutes each, followed by live Q&A with online audience.
Individuals submitting an abstract must be currently enrolled as a student in a university programme at undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral level either full- or part-time.
DETAILS
All abstracts must follow the abstract submission guidelines
For more information and details on sponsorship for late-breaker sessions: https://theunion.org/late-breaker-sessions
For any further queries, email scientific@theunion.org
Articles
Prof. George Boateng Kyei: Advancing Hiv Research In Africa
In his EDCTP-GSK Senior Fellowship, Professor George Boateng Kyei of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, has not only advanced the search for an HIV cure but also strengthened research capacity across Ghana and the broader African region.
Addressing HIV persistence
HIV remains a pressing public health issue in Africa, with persistent challenges hindering the quest for a cure. This fellowship project focused on one such challenge: the virus’s ability to remain dormant within resting CD4+ T cells, even among individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). By exploring the innovative “shock and kill” approach, the research aimed to reactivate latent HIV and target infected cells for destruction. A notable scientific achievement was the identification and confirmation of three novel epigenetic compounds capable of reactivating latent HIV from virologically suppressed individuals. These findings pave the way for future studies in animal models, with the potential to transition into clinical trials aiming at finding a cure for HIV.
Strengthening research infrastructure
The establishment of a drug screening platform at the University of Ghana stands out as a long-term asset for HIV drug discovery and cure research. Additionally, the project introduced regular viral load monitoring for a substantial cohort of patients—an essential practice previously not standard in Ghana. The data generated from this monitoring has been instrumental in shaping national HIV treatment policies and improving patient care.
Furthermore, the project developed a biobank and a well-characterised cohort of HIV-infected adults, providing invaluable resources for ongoing and future HIV cure research. Insights gathered from patients regarding their perceptions of HIV cure research will inform the design and conduct of subsequent studies in Ghana and across Africa.
Training the next generation of researchers
The impact of the fellowship extends beyond laboratory accomplishments; it has significantly influenced research training and career development. The fellowship helped nurture the growth of junior scientists, many of whom have evolved into independent research leaders, securing competitive grants and fellowships, such as the IAS Research-for-Cure Academy and NIH R21. They have presented their findings at prestigious international conferences, including the African Virology Congress and the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH).
Post-doctoral fellows have notably received fellowships from esteemed international programmes, such as the Science by Women Fellowship and the NIH CFAR Africure award, showcasing their growing prominence in the research community.
Recognition and awards
Professor Kyei’s mentorship has not gone unnoticed; in April 2024, he received special recognition from the University of Ghana’s Centre for Gender Studies and Advocacy (CEGENSA) for his outstanding mentorship of female academics—an honour highlighted by nominations from his own mentees. The project also celebrated the achievements of its team members, with one post-doc winning Best Senior Research Fellow at the 2024 NMIMR Awards and research assistants earning accolades at the 2024 African Virologist Conference.
Professor Kyei’s research has led to significant international visibility, with his team members winning travel awards to attend prestigious conferences, including the Keystone Symposium and the African Virology Congress. These opportunities have allowed them to present their findings and collaborate with global experts in the field.
Expanding horizons
The EDCTP-GSK Senior Fellowship grant has facilitated the groundwork for additional projects, including a newly awarded Fogarty grant aimed at enhancing HIV basic science and cure research training at the University of Ghana. This grant will train 17 researchers over the next 5 years, further strengthening the research landscape in Ghana.
As the team looks to the future, plans are in place to expand research into HIV reservoir characteristics among virologically suppressed patients across Ghana. This extension not only continues the momentum generated by the EDCTP grant, but also reinforces Ghana’s position as a leader in HIV cure research in Africa and contributes to the global effort to eradicate HIV.
Save The Date! Communications Workshop At The Edctp 2025 Forum
Dear Colleague,
Are you attending the EDCTP 2025 forum in Kigali (Rwanda)?
Don't miss the Communications workshop on Thursday 19 June (15:30 - 17:30 Rwanda time) in room MH3.
The topic of the workshop will be: "From good to great: Mastering communication skills for impactful science
Best,
The EDCTP team.
Call For Proposals: Panel Sessions At Science Forum South Africa 2025
Dear Stakeholder
Science Forum South Africa 2025 (SFSA 2025) will take place from 24 to 28 November 2025 at the CSIR International Convention Centre (CSIR ICC) in Pretoria, South Africa. This year marks the tenth edition of SFSA, celebrating a decade of igniting vibrant discussions on the role of science in society. The Forum brings together stakeholders from the scientific community, government, industry, and civil society.
We are pleased to invite proposals from individuals and institutions to convene panel sessions as part of the SFSA 2025 programme. These sessions should align with the Forum's theme and sub-themes, and provide an opportunity to engage diverse perspectives in critical conversations.
FORUM THEME
Igniting Conversations: Placing Science, Technology, and Innovation at the Centre of Government, Education, Society, and Industry
SUB-THEMES
- Financing for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI)
- Science and Society Nexus (Agriculture, Health, Climate Change, Just Energy Transition)
- Building Research Capabilities for Africa (STISA 2024)
- The Role of Science Diplomacy
- Emerging Industry – The Role of Disruptive Technologies
- Science Journalism and Science Communication
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
HOW TO SUBMIT
The deadline for proposal submissions is 21 July 2025.
SFSA 2025 is proudly co-hosted by the South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa (SDCfA) initiative.
We look forward to your participation in shaping the dialogue at SFSA 2025.
Best regards
The SFSA 2025 Organising Committee