What this life looks like
You study the hereditary instructions that make every living thing what it is. Geneticists investigate how genes function, how they are inherited, how mutations cause disease, and how genetic diversity shapes populations. Africa — with the world's greatest human genetic diversity — is one of the most important places on Earth for genetics research.
What she actually does
You design and conduct genetic studies, sequence and analyse DNA, investigate the genetic basis of inherited diseases, work on crop improvement through selective breeding, advise patients and families on genetic conditions, contribute to population genetics research, and develop genetic diagnostic tests.
Where you can work
| Sector | Places in Africa |
|---|---|
| Research Institutions | WACCBIP Ghana, KEMRI Kenya, H3Africa consortium sites, MRC Gambia |
| Hospitals | UCT Medical School genetics department, Aga Khan University Hospital — clinical genetics |
| Agricultural Research | IITA, CIMMYT — crop and livestock genetic improvement programmes |
| Pharmaceutical & Biotech | Drug target identification, pharmacogenomics, personalised medicine firms |
Why it matters in Africa
Sickle cell disease affects millions of Africans — yet it remains poorly treated. Many genetic conditions prevalent in Africa are understudied. African population genetics is generating new knowledge about human evolution and migration. African geneticists are uniquely positioned to advance these fields and ensure African patients benefit from genetic medicine.
Your pathway in
- Study Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics at school
- Pursue a degree in Genetics, Molecular Biology, or Biomedical Sciences
- Develop laboratory skills in genetic techniques — PCR, DNA sequencing, and genomic analysis
- Consider postgraduate research — a PhD is typically required for research genetics careers
- Engage with H3Africa, the African Society of Human Genetics, and genomics communities
Skills you will need
- DNA extraction and sequencing
- Bioinformatics and genomic data analysis
- Population genetics methods
- Clinical genetics knowledge
- Scientific writing
- Ethical reasoning about genetic information
A woman in this field
Professor Michèle Ramsay
South Africa
Michèle is a leading human geneticist and the Director of the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience at Wits University. She is a pioneer in the H3Africa consortium and has spent decades studying how genetic diversity in African populations affects health and susceptibility to diseases like obesity and hypertension.
Take your first step
- Study Biology at school and pay close attention to genetics and heredity topics
- Research genetics and biomedical science programmes at universities in your country
- Learn about sickle cell disease, the most prevalent genetic disorder in Africa, and how genetics explains it
- Follow the African Society of Human Genetics and H3Africa online at h3africa.org