GC ADDA Convening Meeting: Encouraging Collaboration Across the Continent

When representatives of the various organisations forming part of the Grand Challenges African Drug Discovery Accelerator (GC ADDA) network gathered in Accra, Ghana for our annual convening meeting last month, we were reminded once again of the immense value of in-person gatherings and personal interactions. 

Taking place from 10 – 12 March 2025, the main objective of the GC ADDA Convening Meeting was to bring members up to date on progress that has been made in terms of establishing the network, including membership, leadership bodies, communications strategy and network activities; as well as flagship projects and funding for new projects.

Attendees were invited to provide input on creating a balanced scorecard of critical success factors for the coming 3 – 5 years, which included discussing:

• how the network should aim to grow and develop, including

• growing membership in terms of region and language;

• reviewing the in/out-of scope areas of the network’s focus;

• setting clear, measurable objectives for the next 3 years;

• identifying champions for each of the planned network activities;

• how the network should engage various communities including:

– diaspora;

– patient advocacy groups;

– persons of influence

Intangible goals

Apart from the tangible objectives mentioned above, the meeting was also a golden opportunity for scientists from all corners of the continent to forge stronger interpersonal bonds and explore possibilities for future partnerships and collaborations.

With the ultimate goal of improving drug discovery for Africans by Africans in Africa, there was a strong emphasis on nurturing the longevity of the network through upskilling younger members.

We put several mechanisms in place to engage with the next generation of drug discovery scientists, including: 

• Offering full members the chance to bring one emerging researcher with them to the meeting;

• Giving the emerging researchers stage-time by asking them to present the findings of small-group work to the whole;

• Offering a training session in grant proposal writing and providing an expert seminar on the importance of toxicology studies for drug development;

• A keynote address angled towards “professional networking” to give them tips on how to maximise their time at meetings such as these; 

All in all, the GC ADDA Convening Meeting 2025 presented an invaluable opportunity for members to align plans and expectations, to seek touchpoints for future collaborations, and to turn our attention towards the future through concerted efforts to nurture and support young scientists.

Read more about GC ADDA here.