Charting a landmark-driven path forward for population genetics and ancient DNA research in Africa

Abstract

Population history-focused DNA and ancient DNA (aDNA) research in Africa has dramatically increased in the past decade, enabling increasingly fine-scale investigations into the continent’s past. However, while international interest in human genomics research in Africa grows, major structural barriers limit the ability of African scholars to lead and engage in such research and impede local communities from partneringwith researchers and benefittingfromresearch outcomes. Becauseconversationsabout research onAfricanpeople andtheir past are often held outside Africa and exclude African voices, an important step for African DNA and aDNA research is moving these conversations to the continent. In May 2023 we held the DNAirobi workshop in Nairobi, Kenya and here we synthesize what emerged most prominently in our discussions. We propose an ideal vision for population history-focused DNA and aDNA research in Africa in ten years’ time and acknowledge that to realize this future, we need to chart a path connecting a series of ‘‘landmarks’’ that represent points of consensus in our discussions. These include effective communication across multiple audiences, reframed relationships andcapacitybuilding,andactiontowardstructuralchangesthatsupportscienceandbeyond.Weconcludedthereisnosinglepath to creating an equitable and self-sustaining research ecosystem, but rather many possible routes linking these landmarks. Here we share our diverse perspectives as geneticists, anthropologists, archaeologists, museum curators, and educators to articulate challenges and opportunities for African DNA and aDNA research and share an initial map toward a more inclusive and equitable future.