DrosAfrica

Advancing Scientific Education & Research in Africa

Dr Palacios has translated her research using the fruit fly Drosophila into the creation of the charity DrosAfrica (registration number 117956), dedicated to advancing scientific education and research across Africa.

DrosAfrica uses Drosophila as an accessible and powerful model to engage school communities - teachers and students alike - in biomedical research questions and to promote understanding of the scientific method through hands-on learning. At the university level, the initiative provides training for undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as academic staff, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to apply Drosophila as a model system for studying human health and disease.

By building capacity in life sciences education and research, DrosAfrica is fostering the next generation of scientists and strengthening scientific infrastructure across the continent.

DrosAfrica. The humble fruit fly is helping the African science community to thrive. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 21, 558–559 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41580-020-00283-0