The Predictive Plant Phenomics Graduate Student Organization hosted Ms. Bibiana Iraki-Kipkorir, programs officer at ISAAA AfriCenter, in their fifth installment of their new career discussion series. The title of Ms. Iraki's talk was "Communicating the Science of Gene Modification: Lessons from the Last Two Decades" and her presentation focused on GMOs as an example of where science communication could have been better.

Here's a summary of her talk:
Debate around GMO and any gene related technologies have evoked strong emotions and varied opinions over the last two decades. Rapid advancements witnessed in genetics and modern biotechnology have called for a re-look at how we communicate and engage stakeholders more effectively moving forward. This presentation explores some of the lessons that have caused serious communication blunders around modern biotechnology and suggests how these lessons can inform the best communication practice. Over-claiming the benefits of GMOs has placed too high expectations on the technology and serious misconceptions that other tools will not be necessary. General assumption that increased knowledge would automatically lead to acceptance of GM technology, overstating technology processes at the expense of the products’ benefits and use of technical jargon are other gaffes in communicating the science of gene modification. This presentation argues that these glaring blunders have evidently eroded stakeholders’ trust and confidence in GM technology thus stifling its advancement. The author suggests that for gene modification technologies to seamlessly advance, the scientific community must cultivate shared values with their stakeholders. Leveraging on communicators who possess technology competence, show integrity and are familiar with stakeholders’ values is another recommendation put forward.

Additional information about Ms. Iraki:
Ms. Bibiana Iraki-Kipkorir is a Programs Officer at ISAAA AfriCenter, where she handles various communications-related duties. She holds an MA in Journalism from the University of Wales, Glamorgan, and a BSc (Hons) Biotechnology from Cardiff University, UK. Bibiana has wide experience in science communication, spanning a period of close to 10 years. She has trained over 500 African scientists and researchers on how to effectively communicate their work to a non-technical audience and is a strong advocate on the use of credible scientific evidence for informed decision-making. She is a Founder Member of the African Women for Biosciences (AWfB) and currently serves in the network’s steering committee.

Prior to joining ISAAA, she worked as a Communications Officer at the African Population and Health Research Center and a Communications and Public Relations Officer at the African Biotechnology and Stakeholders Forum. Bibiana is passionate about science communication which she believes is key in transforming Africa’s wealth of research knowledge into tangible solutions for development.

You can view her presentation on the P3 YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/50FrWwAaD4E