First SBMB training workshop: 22 young researchers introduced to research methodology and scientific writing

Our country, Mali, is facing multiple crises with economic, security and health challenges. To meet these challenges, the mobilization and contribution of every segment of society, every entity and professional group is essential to ensure the stability and development of the country. In response to the ‘national call to action’ , the Malian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SBMB) has decided to play its part by organizing scientific activities. The first event, held from 4th to 6th December 2025 at the African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Sciences (ACE-B), located at the Faculty of Sciences and Technologies (FST), consisted of training young researchers in research methodology and scientific writing.

“Many of our young researchers often struggle to promote their scientific work, so there is a gap in terms of training in research methodology, i.e. how to formulate a research question and how to write a research protocol. ” said Prof. Djénéba K. DABITAO, Secretary for Training, Research and Innovation at SMBBM, Associate Professor of Molecular Biology and Head of the ImmunoCore Laboratory at UCRC/USTTB.

This training programme is multi-disciplinary, she explained, ‘we are interested in young researchers, particularly lecturers and researchers (assistants or senior assistants), PhD students working on their theses, but also PhD candidates, i.e. PhD students who have already obtained their master’s degrees and are eligible to apply for their theses’.

Created in 2024, the Malian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SBMB) is an association of Malian researchers and professionals in these fields, which held its first General Assembly in June 2025 at the Faculty of Sciences and Technologies (FST) in Bamako, marking an important step in the promotion of research in biochemistry and molecular biology in Mali.

According to its President, Professor Mamadou WELE, Professor of Biochemistry and Vice-Rector of USTTB, this scientific society aims to bring together stakeholders in biochemistry and molecular biology to advance research, biotechnology and health at the national level, working with scientific institutions such as the University Clinical Research Center (UCRC), the Malaria Research and Training Centre (MRTC), the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) , among others.

Ibrahima DIA