CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Africa Bioethics Network (ABN) Working Groups

About ABN Working Groups

The Africa Bioethics Network (ABN) is launching thematic Working Groups to advance bioethics research, policy, and practice across Africa. These collaborative groups will drive innovation, produce practical outputs, and connect African expertise with global conversations in bioethics.

We invite applications for Co-Chair and Member positions across six strategic working groups: 
✔ Environment & Climate Ethics
✔ Genomics & Biotechnology
✔ AI Ethics & Digital Health
✔ Mental Health & Vulnerable Populations
✔ Regulatory, Policy & Sustainability Engagement 
✔ ABN Conference & Events

Mobirise Website Builder

Working Group Themes

This group will advance ABN's leadership in ethical frameworks for climate and health by examining the environmental sustainability of health research and healthcare delivery in Africa.
Focus areas:
✔ Ethical frameworks for climate-health adaptation and resilience
✔ Sustainability in data-driven health research (energy, waste, equity)
✔ Indigenous and community knowledge integration
✔ Policy recommendations for African ministries and global partners

Supporting ABN's mission to ensure responsible and contextually relevant governance of emerging biotechnologies in Africa.
Focus areas:
✔  Ethical governance of genetics and genomics research in Africa
✔  Biobanking, data sharing, and benefit-sharing frameworks
✔  Biotechnology applications in public health, food systems, and agriculture
✔  Strengthening REC capacity to review biotechnology protocols 

Aligned with ABN's portfolio on AI governance and data sustainability, this group will explore ethical, legal, and social issues in AI and digital health applications across Africa.
Focus areas:
✔ Ethical use of AI in healthcare, genomics, and public health
✔ Data governance, privacy, and equity in digital health
✔ AI for climate-sensitive disease prediction
✔ Strengthening African perspectives in global AI ethics policy

This group will support ABN's commitment to equity by creating ethical frameworks for research and care where vulnerabilities are most pronounced.
Focus areas:
✔ Ethics of mental health research in low-resource and conflict-affected contexts
✔ Safeguarding vulnerable and marginalized groups (children, women, refugees, rural communities)
✔ Community engagement models for mental health research
✔ Integrating African philosophies (e.g., Ubuntu) into vulnerability frameworks

This group will strengthen ABN’s mission of shaping ethical and policy environments across Africa while ensuring the sustainability of bioethics initiatives. It will work closely with RECs, policymakers, continental bodies (e.g., WHO, Africa CDC, AUDA-NEPAD), and funding partners to improve ethics governance and long-term capacity.
Focus areas:
✔ Strengthening REC administration and governance
✔ Policy frameworks for equitable inclusion in clinical trials
✔ Harmonizing African ethics and regulatory systems
✔ Advocacy for integrating bioethics into national research agendas
✔ Developing sustainability strategies for bioethics initiatives
✔ Exploring funding, partnerships, and innovative financing models

Leading the planning of ABN's 2026 Africa Bioethics Conference (October/November 2026, Kenya) and future events.
Focus areas:
✔ Planning and delivery of the 2026 Africa Bioethics Conference
✔ Designing inclusive, diverse events
✔ Curating themes and ensuring broad representation (regional, gender, disciplinary)
✔ Building Africa's visibility in global bioethics through convenings

Roles and Responsibilities

Co-Chair Positions (2–3 per Working Group)
Responsibilities:
• Facilitate monthly working group meetings
• Develop and oversee 6–12 month work plans with clear    deliverables
• Coordinate with ABN Secretariat for strategic alignment
• Present quarterly progress reports at CR meetings
• Mentor emerging leaders within the group
• Represent the group at relevant conferences/forums

Commitment: 6–8 hours/month
Term: 6–12 months, renewable
Eligibility: ABN members with demonstrated leadership and thematic expertise

NOTE: We encourage complementary skill sets among co-chairs (e.g., pairing bioethics expertise with domain knowledge) 

Core Members
Responsibilities:
• Attend meetings and actively participate
• Take on specific deliverables/projects
• Contribute expertise to group outputs
• Support working group objectives and activities

Time Commitment: 3-4 hours per month


Contributing Members
Responsibilities:
• Provide occasional expertise/advice
• Participate when schedule permits
• Offer feedback on outputs

Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per month

Application Process
Click to Apply

Complete the online application form by clicking the application button. 

• Co-Chair applications close: Friday, 18th October 2025
• Review & announcement:  30th October 2025
• Member applications (initial round) close: 3rd November 2025
  NOTE: Members in this round join inaugural launch meetings
• Working group launch meetings: Early November 2025
• Inaugural update/plan: December 2025 (short progress outline, not full          report)
• Rolling membership: Open from March 2026 onwards
• First full quarterly reports: March 2026 

For Co-Chairs:
• Current ABN member in good standing
• Demonstrated leadership and bioethics or domain expertise
• Commitment of 6–8 hours/month for 6–12 months
• Strong facilitation/communication skills
For Members:
• Interest in the thematic area (expertise preferred but not required)
• Willingness to contribute meaningfully
• Time available for participation 

Co-Chair Applicants:
✅ Background and current role
✅ Expertise in thematic area (300 words)
✅ Leadership experience (250 words)
✅ Vision for first year (300 words)
✅ Specific contributions you can make
✅ Confirmation of time availability
Member Applicants:
✅ Background and interest areas
✅ Relevant experience (if any)
✅ Preferred role (Core or Contributing)
✅ Time availability
✅ How you can contribute 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes - Up to two, but specify your primary preference.

No — Interest and commitment are sufficient.

Yes — Rolling membership opens from March 2026.

ABN will provide templates, coordination, and communication support.

No - Participation is voluntary.


About ABN
The Africa Bioethics Network (ABN) is a continental platform advancing African-led bioethics through training, mentorship, publishing, research, and advocacy. With 1,200+ members across 41 countries, ABN is ensuring African perspectives shape the future of global bioethics.

Join us in strengthening bioethics leadership across Africa.

Apply Today!

© Copyright 2025 Fort Ict. All Rights Reserved.

‌