Biological and Medicinal Chemistry in Africa

The young, fast-growing population of Africa means that harnessing the economic benefits of scientific research is critical to sustained and equitable growth in the continent. Moreover, the whole world would benefit from the added intellectual contribution that would come from nurturing African science. The high burden of neglected diseases in Africa makes chemical biology a particularly important field. In this editorial, the reconvergence of science conducted at the interface of chemistry and biology is placed in the context of African participation, its importance to global science and the unique blend of supporting and hindering factors that influence African scientific contributions. The new Biological and Medicinal Chemistry in Africa special collection showcases a broad spectrum of African chemical biology.

Automated summary

The young, fast-growing population of Africa means that utilizing the economic benefits of scientific research is critical to sustainable and equitable growth on the continent. The whole world would also benefit from the intellectual contributions that would come from supporting African science. Chemical biology, particularly in relation to neglected diseases in Africa, is considered an important field. This editorial examines the convergence of science between chemistry and biology in an African context, its global significance, and the factors that both support and hinder African scientific contributions. The Biological and Medicinal Chemistry in Africa special collection showcases the diverse range of African chemical biology.