USJM Hosts Academic Forum on Intelligent Design

University of Saint Joseph Mbarara (USJM) Hosts Academic Forum on Intelligent Design Through the Lenses of African Scholars.

Today, through the Office of the Academic Registrar, in collaboration with BioCosmos Uganda we hosted an Academic Forum on Intelligent Design Through the Lenses of African Scholars under the theme “Intelligent Design Through the Lenses of African Scholars,” bringing together researchers, USJM Management, staff and students for an engaging exchange on origins, science and biological complexity.

Highlighted below are some key takeaways from the speakers during the forum:

▪️ Rev. Fr. Dr. Deus Karemire — USJM Vice Chancellor

1. Welcomed the visiting team of scholars from BioCosmos Uganda to the University.
2. Thanked staff members for turning up in big numbers.
3. Informed members that the forum is intended to provide an interdisciplinary platform for academic dialogue, bringing together faculty members to engage with contemporary scientific perspectives on Intelligent Design.
4. Noted that the engagement will contribute to scholarly discussions and research within the University.

▪️ Prof. Charles Twesigye — Vice Chair, BioCosmos Uganda

1. Highlighted the evolution of scientific thought and advances in molecular biology and genetics.
2. Urged African researchers to move beyond consuming knowledge generated elsewhere and contribute to interrogating existing ideas and producing new knowledge.
3. Called for stronger African participation in scientific discovery and knowledge production.

▪️ Isaac Mutono — Administrator, BioCosmos Uganda

1. Introduced BioCosmos Uganda’s mission of promoting academic engagement around questions concerning the universe, the origin of life and human origins.
2. Introduced the organisation’s work in research, training and academic engagement on questions of origins.
3. Encouraged participants to “follow the evidence where it leads.”
4. Highlighted the organisation’s focus on research, training, academic forums and student engagement across East Africa.

▪️ Dr. Joel Isanga — Treasurer, BioCosmos Uganda

1. Explored DNA, biological information, functional complexity and Intelligent Design.
2. Challenged African scholars to move from consuming knowledge to producing it: “Be part of the producers as opposed to consumers in science and technology.”
3. Urged African scholars and students to take a more active role in scientific production.

▪️ Dr. Barbara Nerima — Board Member, BioCosmos Uganda (A Specialist in molecular biology, comparative biochemistry and systems biology)

1. Introduced participants to BioCosmos Uganda’s academic resources, including books, articles, videos, online courses and student clubs.
2. Highlighted research opportunities in molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics and bioengineering.
3. Discussed biological interdependence and highlighted research, training and student engagement opportunities through BioCosmos Uganda.

During the Question and Answer session, participants explored the relationship between science, Intelligent Design and faith, alongside discussions on strengthening continued academic engagement.

As part of the engagement, BioCosmos Uganda presented books and T-shirts to the University and noted that additional learning materials would be made available to support continued exploration of the subject.