By Bernard Gitau @benagitau
Kenya’s ambition to be recognized as the cradle of humanity could be realized within the next decade. The American Journal of Human Genetics recently published a piece emphasizing the need for equitable and inclusive DNA and ancient DNA (aDNA) research in Africa. The paper, released on July 11, 2024, underscores the importance of DNA from ancient and living African peoples in studying human evolution and population history.
Despite increasing international interest, African scientists are still underrepresented in research teams and project planning. The paper also highlights a history of exploitative research practices on the continent.
“Africans are the primary knowledge holders of African samples, data, and historical contexts. We want more access to DNA and aDNA research and the resources and training to support more African-led studies in the future,” said Dr. Emmanuel Ndiema, Head of Earth Sciences at the National Museums of Kenya.
Dr. Ndiema emphasized the need for ethical and equitable genomics research, which requires societal investment and training the next generation of scholars—a process that will take decades. “Step one is to discuss African research in Africa,” added Dr. Elizabeth Sawchuk, Associate Curator of Human Evolution at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
Dr. Sawchuk noted that many African scholars face barriers to attending genetics conferences in North America and Europe, limiting their leadership in DNA research. “Holding conversations in Africa allows voices and perspectives that have been historically sidelined to be heard,” she said.
Kenya, with the largest number of fossil human remains in Africa, is central to these discussions. Notable finds include the 7-million-year-old remains in the Tugen Hills and the 1.6-million-year-old Turkana Boy skeleton.
“This study involved researchers from both the Global North and the Global South and underscored the potential DNA and ancient DNA hold for understanding ancient and modern human populations,” said Dr. Fredrick Kyalo Manthi, Director of Antiquities, Sites, and Monuments at the National Museums of Kenya.
Dr. Christine Ogola, Head of Archaeology at the National Museums of Kenya, stressed the need to build a research ecosystem where African scholars can lead genomics research and access necessary resources. “The solution is not to immediately build population history-focused DNA and aDNA labs on the continent, which would be unrealistic at present to staff and maintain. Instead, we need to focus on building capacity and infrastructure in ways that sustainably support research leadership,” she said.
Dr. Kendra Sirak, Senior Scientist in Genetics at Harvard Medical School, highlighted the importance of creating an equitable research environment. “We attempt to articulate how we as researchers can encourage the continued growth of ethical genomics research in Africa with high-level structural changes to the way that science is designed and supported, that we know must ultimately take place,” said Dr. Sirak.
The paper, co-authored by 36 scientists from around the world, is an outcome of the “DNAirobi” workshop held at the National Museums of Kenya in May 2023. This workshop, co-organized by institutions including the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Harvard University, and Rice University, brought together geneticists, archaeologists, and educators to discuss the future of DNA research in Africa.
