The four Africa Centers of Excellence in Rwanda put up a good show at the first National Science and Technology exhibition as part of the National Science and Technology Conference in Rwanda.
The Centers exhibited the different taught Masters and PhD programs, professional short courses and student innovations which are all contributing to the improvement of science education to find solutions to existing regional challenges.
The conference was organized by the Rwanda National Council of Science and Technology (NCST) in collaboration with different partners and took place on 31st March -1st April 2022.
The conference theme was Leveraging the Potential of Science and Technology to Mitigate Challenges Associated with COVID-19 pandemic in Developing Countries. Participants deliberated on innovative strategies that utilize evidence-based scientific and technological tools to close the gap for Covid-19 related challenges. They examined existing data to leverage the potential for science and technology to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in developing countries, and looked at sustainable solutions and strategies to inform future research and capabilities in response to COVID-19.
Dr. Eugene Mutimura, the Executive Secretary of the NCST said the conference was an essential platform for scientists and leaders to look at the crucial contribution of science and technology in addressing health challenges and supporting society and the economy in times of turmoil, as well as highlighting the importance of collective demand for scientific expertise and coordination.
“This is the first Rwandan conference on science, technology and innovation to provide an opportunity for global scientists to deliver on key important areas of the digital divide and the key data gaps to address the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
By Jean Damascène Niyitegeka
