At the opening day of the 6th Africa Biennial Biosciences Communication Symposium (ABBC 2025), held in Lusaka from August 26–28, Professor Richard Oduor, Chairman of KUBICO and Registrar for Research, Innovation & Outreach at Kenyatta University, delivered a thrilling presentation titled “Slaying the Dragons of Misinformation and Disinformation in Science”.
Prof. Oduor confronted the pervasive challenge of scientific misinformation. He emphasized that disinformation is not just a communication problem—but a barrier undermining public trust and slowing the adoption of essential biosciences innovations across Africa. His metaphor of “dragons” served to vividly highlight these threats: powerful, deceptive forces that require strategic, evidence-based solutions. He called for stronger science communication frameworks, enhanced researcher engagement with media, and public education campaigns tailored to demystify complex biosciences topics. He advocated for collaborative efforts across academic institutions, media outlets, and tech platforms to root out misinformation and build resilient, informed communities.
His remarks set a powerful tone for the symposium’s overarching theme: “The War on Science: How can we Overcome the Burden of Misinformation and Disinformation?” The ABBC 2025 symposium continues to explore strategies for bridging the growing gap between scientific innovation and public perception—aiming to foster informed decision-making that advances health, agriculture, and environmental progress across the continent.