Inclusivity and Equity in Biotechnology: Insights from the AfroBiotech Conferences

The international AfroBiotech conference series, launched in 2019 in Atlanta, GA, USA, is an emerging platform to foster innovation, promote inclusivity, and highlight the contributions of Black scientists in the biotechnology sector. Led by scientists and engineers from the African Diaspora community, these conferences serve as a vital forum for networking, sharing groundbreaking research, and addressing health disparities, thereby advancing both scientific excellence and social equity in biotech. This review discusses the mission and impact of AfroBiotech and highlights similar conferences, particularly in regard to addressing the legacy of disparities in science and engineering in the US. An in-depth overview of AfroBiotech attendees, over 100 per year, from diverse sectors including academia, industry, and government is provided. This review also highlights the research presented at AfroBiotech by scientists in regenerative engineering, medical biotechnology, genomics and genetics, computational and systems biology, nanotechnology and biochemistry, and immunological and microbiome engineering. Activities to support an inclusive workforce are also discussed. Through fostering an inclusive environment, AfroBiotech is on a trajectory to inspire a new generation of scientists and pave the way for a diverse and equitable biotechnological future.