Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology

The Center for Indigenous Science (CIS)—within the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB) at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign will host a two-day symposium titled Community Collaborative Research Among African Populations: CIS in Practice. Consistent with the IGB mission to advance team-based, interdisciplinary science that integrates life sciences with social, ethical, and societal dimensions, this symposium foregrounds Indigenous-centered and community-engaged approaches to research in African contexts. The convening brings together scholars, students, and campus partners to examine how scientific inquiry can be conducted responsibly, collaboratively, and with sustained attention to reciprocity, equity, and societal impact core commitments shared by CIS. A central feature of the symposium is the keynote address, which aligns directly with CIS’s focus on ethical research practice, knowledge sovereignty, and community accountability, and with CIS’s leadership in genomic research that addresses complex global challenges. The keynote will engage ethical, social, and governance dimensions of genomics, including data sharing, community engagement, and the return of research results in Africa. Through this lens, the symposium advances CIS priorities by demonstrating how genomics and related fields can be pursued in ways that are scientifically rigorous while also attentive to governance structures, trust-building, and long-term relationships with African communities. Together, the keynote and sessions position CIS as a hub for scholarship that bridges genomics, Indigenous knowledge systems, and socially responsible research practice.

Featuring a keynote lecture by Dr Ambroise Wonkam, Henry J. Knott Genetic Medicine Professor & Director, McKusick-Nathans Institute & Department of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Co-sponsored by the Center for Indigenous Science (CIS), Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB), and the Center for African Studies -University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign

Accommodations

For all IGB events, gender neutral bathrooms are available on floors 1 and 2 of the IGB gatehouse, open during the hours of 8am to12pm and 1pm to 5pm. A private lactation room for IGB-affiliated members is available by request, see the IGB reception desk for access. Baby changing stations are available in the restrooms on the concourse level. For specific needs, please contact facilities@igb.illinois.edu

"Data Management" 

Yifei Kang, CNRG
Research Data Management Specialist

Your research data deserves more than a folder on your laptop. Join this talk to learn practical strategies for organizing, storing, protecting, and sharing your data, explore campus resources that support research workflows, and get tips for developing strong data management plans for grant proposals.

Accommodations

For all IGB events, gender neutral bathrooms are available on floors 1 and 2 of the IGB gatehouse, open during the hours of 8am to12pm and 1pm to 5pm. A private lactation room for IGB-affiliated members is available by request, see the IGB reception desk for access. Baby changing stations are available in the restrooms on the concourse level. For specific needs, please contact facilities@igb.illinois.edu

Carlotta Ronda, PhD
Principle Investigator, WIES Fellow; Innovative Genomics Institute; University of California, Berkeley

"Rewriting and Reprogramming Microbiomes"

Are you interested in science, art, drawing, tea, or good company?

If so, our new scientific illustration club is for you! No art experience necessary. Join our casual monthly meetups to drink tea and engage in whatever illustration project you are currently working on, stuck on, or avoiding. No project in the pipeline? No problem! A scientific specimen and basic drawing supplies will be provided at each meeting.

Feel free to bring your lunch and any art supplies necessary for your personal project.

Jennifer Brophy, PhD
Department of Bioengineering; Stanford University

"Synthetic Biology Tools for Precise Gene Expression Control in Bioenergy Crops"

Through the Lunchbox series, members from across the campus talk to the participants about the interconnectivity between food, science, and culture, and how food shapes our individual experiences. 

"Ain't She Sweet: How Honey Bee Spatial Memory Helps Make Your Lunch"

Claudia Lutz, PhD
Assistant Director of Science Communications

Science on Tap is a monthly seminar series that brings scientists to the public to talk about their research in an informal setting.

Dr. Deana McDonagh is a Professor of Industrial Design in the School of Art + Design, Health Innovation Professor at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine,  and Director of the (dis)Ability Design Studio at the Beckman Institute of Advanced Science and Technology, at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is an Empathic Design Research Strategist who focuses on enhancing the quality of life for all through more intuitive and meaningful products, leading to emotional sustainability. Her research concentrates on emotional user-product relationships and how empathy can bring the designer closer to users’ authentic needs, ensuring both functional and emotional needs are met in the material landscape.