In 2015, the Genetics, Biotechnology and Seed Science Unit (GBioS) at the University of Abomey-Calavi was founded with a clear ambition: to use scientific research to drive food security, sustainable nutrition, and agroecological production.
Ten years down the line, GBioS celebrates a decade of passion, innovation, and contribution to the improvement of livelihoods in local communities; it establishes itself as a key player in applied research in West Africa.
With a vision to become, by 2027, a center of excellence in the management and valorization of plant genetic resources for improved nutrition and sustainable food security for local communities, GBioS is building an international reputation based on the quality, relevance, sustainability, and impact of its research outcomes on target populations. To achieve this, a genebank was established at the University of Abomey-Calavi, currently housing over 20,000 accessions from more than 70 plant species. The laboratory has also reached over 10,000 smallholder farmers, trained more than 100 master’s students and 20 PhD candidates, and is currently leading over 10 research and development projects in Benin and across Africa. It has studied more than 10 orphan crops and distributed over 6,000 seed kits across 40 communes in Benin. GBioS has also contributed to high-quality scientific production, with 200 articles published in high-impact international journals.
To mark this decade of commitment, GBioS is organizing a year-long series of specialized training sessions, technical workshops, scientific conferences, and professional gatherings. These activities aim to share research outcomes, strengthen the capacities of agricultural stakeholders, and bridge science, public policy, and local development.
Whether you are a researcher, student, farmer, policymaker, or partner, you are warmly invited to join us in celebrating ten years of science for development in Africa.