THEME: Oncoviruses, Cancers, and Biotechnologies: Artificial Intelligence at the Service of Socio-Economic Challenges for Sustainable Health, Environment, and Economy
Oncoviruses, the infectious agents behind several cancer types, along with the integration of artificial
intelligence (AI) within emerging biotechnologies, present complex socio-economic challenges that
affect public health, environmental sustainability, and economic development. These challenges are
particularly pronounced in Morocco and comparable middle-income countries. This symposium
aims to establish a multidisciplinary platform exploring the transformative potential of AI-driven
biotechnological innovations in addressing cancers associated with oncoviruses. The event will not
only examine the unique challenges and opportunities within the Moroccan context but will also place
them within an interconnected global perspective to uncover synergies and partnerships that may
bridge existing technological gaps.
In Morocco, cancers associated with oncoviruses—such as cervical cancer linked to the human
papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatocellular carcinoma associated with the hepatitis B virus—are placing
an increasing strain on the healthcare system. The country has made strides in implementing
vaccination campaigns, such as the rollout of the HPV vaccine, aimed at reducing these burdens.
However, these efforts face multiple challenges, including pronounced regional disparities in
healthcare access, limited medical infrastructure in rural areas, and insufficient public awareness. In
this context, AI presents significant potential to optimize the healthcare system, from early detection
of viral cancers to enhancing outreach and education efforts.
Yet, the successful adoption of AI-enhanced biotechnologies requires overcoming several local
barriers. Funding constraints, a nascent research infrastructure, and a lack of specialized training
currently limit Morocco’s ability to capitalize on these technologies. This symposium will delve into
these systemic obstacles, examining national policies and funding strategies designed to improve
oncovirus-related cancer prevention and to stimulate growth in Morocco’s biotechnology sector.
AI-driven predictive analytics, telemedicine, and personalized medicine could serve as critical tools,
and the symposium will address how they can be adapted and implemented within the constraints of
Morocco’s healthcare landscape.
On a global scale, advancements in biotechnology, particularly those augmented by AI, have led to
groundbreaking progress in diagnosing, treating, and preventing viral cancers. Cutting-edge
solutions such as gene therapies, therapeutic vaccines, and genome editing are now reshaping
traditional approaches to oncology, allowing for more personalized and effective treatments.
However, these innovations often come with high costs, creating accessibility issues, particularly for
middle-income countries like Morocco. The rapid expansion of the biotechnology and AI sectors is
predominantly concentrated in economically powerful regions, which risks leaving Morocco on the
periphery of these technological advancements.
In response, this symposium will highlight potential pathways for international collaboration,
technology transfer, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to help integrate Morocco into the global
AI-biotechnology landscape. By fostering partnerships with leading international institutions and
private sector stakeholders, Morocco could gain access to necessary technologies and expertise.
Furthermore, AI’s role in accelerating these innovations will be explored, such as its potential to
streamline research processes, reduce costs, and enhance precision in diagnosis and treatment,
making advanced biotechnologies more attainable.
The effects of these AI-enhanced biotechnologies extend beyond healthcare, raising crucial
environmental and economic concerns. Large-scale production processes for biomedicines, along
with novel cell culture methods and genetic manipulation techniques, impact local ecosystems,
especially in terms of biomedical waste management. Morocco must consider how to handle
increased volumes of waste from biotechnology research and production, ensuring sustainable
practices that do not compromise environmental integrity. AI technologies can contribute by
developing optimized waste management solutions, tracking ecological impacts, and predicting
potential risks associated with biotechnological production processes.
From an economic standpoint, the development of a robust AI-driven biotechnology sector
necessitates a strategic shift in industrial policy. Morocco must focus on nurturing local expertise
through specialized training and fostering an environment that attracts foreign investment. Building a
national biotechnology industry, particularly one integrated with AI advancements, requires
investment not only in physical infrastructure but also in human capital.
This symposium will address
the strategies needed to develop a skilled workforce capable of driving Morocco’s biotechnology and
AI sectors, thus creating a sustainable economic model that promotes innovation and reduces
dependence on imported technologies.
This symposium will bring together Moroccan and international experts across fields including
virology, oncology, health, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, economics, and environmental
science.
By fostering interdisciplinary discussions, the symposium aims to provide a holistic
understanding of the multifaceted challenges posed by oncoviruses and AI-enhanced
biotechnologies. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore how AI can serve as a pivotal tool in
tackling these challenges by enhancing precision in healthcare, enabling data-driven policy-making,
and offering sustainable economic solutions.
The objective is to propose actionable solutions that strengthen Morocco’s local capacities in
addressing oncovirus-related cancers while addressing broader global issues of environmental
sustainability and economic inclusivity in the AI-biotechnology sector. This event aspires to catalyze
innovation, encourage policy reform, and stimulate international partnerships, ensuring that Morocco
can actively participate in and benefit from the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of AI and
biotechnology
The success of this event relies on the commitment of all stakeholders, including governments, the private sector, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations. Diverse participation is therefore essential to make this symposium a true catalyst for progress, aimed at strengthening efforts against oncoviruses and promoting sustainable, accessible biotechnological solutions. We warmly invite all stakeholders to join us in this crucial initiative, to collaborate and share knowledge and resources to tackle global health challenges related to viral cancers. Together, we can create a healthier and more sustainable future for current and future generations, both in Morocco and beyond.
To participate in the Fifth Symposium on Emerging and Re-emerging Pathogens, researchers and professionals are invited to submit their abstracts according to the timeline outlined below. Submissions must be sent via the official event email, allowing participants to upload their documents and follow the review process.
October 30: Call for abstracts opens. Interested participants may begin submitting their abstracts online.
November 30: Abstract submission deadline. No submissions will be accepted after this date.
December 02: Abstract acceptance notifications. Authors will be informed whether their proposals
have been accepted or rejected.
December 05: Deadline for symposium participation fee payment and submission of confirmation to
the registration committee.
December 19, 20, and 21, 2024: the fifth Symposium on Emerging and Re-emerging Pathogens.
• Ministry of Health and Social Protection
• Higher Institute of Nursing and Health Technology, Rabat
• Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Étienne, France
• Faculty of Science and Technology, Gueliz, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech
• Charité Virchow University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
• Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Al-Ahliyya University, Amman, Jordan
• Faculty of Science, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
• Pasteur Institute of Casablanca, Morocco
• Mohammed V Military Hospital, Rabat, Morocco
• Others...
By participating in this event, you will have the opportunity to:
• Meet and engage with policymakers, researchers, investors, healthcare professionals,
and academic experts specializing in oncoviruses and biotechnology
• Take part in enriching discussions on critical issues for developing sustainable and
innovative health solutions in Morocco and internationally
• Access public-private partnership opportunities to strengthen research and intervention
capacities in the health sector
• Contribute to promoting strategic investments in health infrastructure, enhancing
accessibility and improving the quality of care
• Participate in sessions dedicated to human capital development and specialized
skill-building in health and biotechnology
• Benefit from close collaboration and knowledge-sharing with a diverse network of
stakeholders committed to tackling emerging pathogens and advancing biotechnology
Your participation will position you at the forefront of advances and transformational initiatives
in the healthcare sector.
FST Mohammedia, Morocco
0 (+212) 661 74 88 62
lvobeen.oncoviruses5@gmail.com