Bioethics is a field that studies ethical dilemmas in the life sciences, healthcare, and biotechnologies. It is a critical guide for Africa's rapid scientific and technical development. As the global community and the African continent advance in AI and science, they face unique ethical challenges shaped by cultural, social, and environmental diversity. Africa’s rising role in global research also calls for local bioethical expertise to protect vulnerable populations and ecosystems. Despite these needs, African countries face a shortage of trained bioethicists, resulting in insufficient protection for research participants, ethical dilemmas, and potential harm to communities and ecosystems. This demonstrates a need to use diverse strategies including partnerships and collaboration to set the pace and meet African growing scientific needs.   As a result, we propose a multi-pose mentee-mentorship program which is a situation where aspiring bioethicists receive one-on-one training from experienced leaders to help them build skills and practice depending on their chosen domains in Africa. This program allows mentees to collaborate and partner to implement burning or ongoing activities. It also helps mentors to continue to contribute in their areas of interest as well as participate in transforming lives and building the African continent among others.

LEARN MORE

Curriculum

The BEACON Mentorship Program curriculum is tailored to address bioethical challenges  pertinent to Africa while offering mentees and mentors a comprehensive exploration of both foundational and emerging ethical concerns as well as opportunities for collaboration and partnership. The curriculum is structured into six key modules, each lasting 1-2 months, fostering flexibility for deeper exploration based on specific interests. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing mentors and mentees to explore specific interests more deeply while still adhering to the overall structure.  Additionally, other optional sessions will be compulsory for all those interested in the collaboration and partnership aspects of the program. Each module is supported by a range of suggested readings and online resources to enhance learning and provide practical examples.

 

Modules

  1. Foundations of Bioethics (Month 1-2)
  2. Research Ethics (Month 3-4)
  3. Clinical Ethics (Month 5-6)
  4. Environmental and Climate Ethics (Month 7-8)
  5. Technology and Data Ethics (Month 9-10)
  6. Policy and Governance in Bioethics (Month 11-12)
LEARN MORE

Resources 

 

  • Program structure  
  • Program overview

 

FAQs (embedded link)

  • General Qns
  • Mentee Qns
  • Mentor Qns
  • Program structure Qns
  • Application process Qns. 
  • Technical requirements Qns.