The Sydney Declaration - An unique opportunity for Africa.

The Sydney Declaration (SD) has the inherent virtue of shifting the focus from the tools used in forensic science to the fundamental characteristics of appropriate forensic practice analysis of a situation and all related trace data for the purpose of resolving a case. Though several differences might be observed between countries regarding the technologies used, the fundamental principle of forensic logical reasoning are universally applicable to all contexts and environments and not only restricted to sophisticated, well-resourced, established forensic science laboratories based in countries that offer adequate resources, strong networks and legal frameworks. In Africa, several countries lack resources to train practitioners and to develop forensic science institutes, laboratories and other relevant institutions.

Privacy rights of human research participants in South Africa must be taken seriously.

Letter by Thaldar and Townsend, following an article by the same authors (Thaldar D, Townsend B. Genomic research and privacy: A response to Staunton et al. S Afr Med J 2020;110(3):172-174.

Ethical and practical issues to consider in the governance of genomic and human research data and data sharing in South Africa: a meeting report.

Genomic research and biobanking has undergone exponential growth in Africa and at the heart of this research is the sharing of biospecimens and associated clinical data amongst researchers in Africa and across the world. While this move towards open science is progressing, there has been a strengthening internationally of data protection regulations that seek to safeguard the rights of data subjects while promoting the movement of data for the benefit of research. In line with this global shift, many jurisdictions in Africa are introducing data protection regulations, but there has been limited consideration of the regulation of data sharing for genomic research and biobanking in Africa.

Safeguarding the future of genomic research in South Africa: Broad consent and the Protection of Personal Information Act No. 4 of 2013.

Genomic research has been identified in South Africa (SA) as important in developing a strong bio-economy that has the potential to improve human health, drive job creation and offer potential solutions to the disease burden harboured by low- and middle-income countries. Central to the success of genomic research is the wide sharing of biological samples and data, but the true value of data can only be unlocked if there are laws and policies in place that foster the legal and ethical sharing of genomic data. The introduction and entry into force of SA's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) No.