By Joyce Ojanji
The National Research Fund (NRF) of Kenya, in partnership with Young Scientists Kenya (YSK), is set to host the first-ever Kenya National Research Festival.
Scheduled to take place from August 19th to 23rd, 2024, the event will be hosted under the theme “Research Partnerships and Collaborations for Socio-Economic Transformation.”
This festival aims to highlight Kenya’s dynamic research and innovation environment by presenting groundbreaking projects and opportunities for young and established scientists. Researchers from all levels, including those from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, undergraduates, graduates, postgraduates, postdocs, and lead researchers, are invited to submit abstracts and poster presentations.
The thematic areas of the festival include Health and Life Sciences, Agriculture and Food Security, Manufacturing and Engineering, Energy (both renewable and non-renewable), Natural Resources, Climate Change and Adaptation, Education and Social Sciences, Digital Transformation and Transport, Critical National Infrastructure, Sustainability, Safety, and Resilience.
This event provides an ideal platform for the research community to showcase their latest findings that address societal challenges in an ever-evolving world. The festival aims to encourage collaboration on both domestic and international fronts, stressing the importance of interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary research. It also seeks to foster robust leadership in research and enhance the overall research culture in Kenya.
Moreover, the festival will underscore the economic impact of research and innovation. Research initiatives have the potential to stimulate economic growth by fostering new industries, enhancing productivity, and generating employment opportunities. Case studies presented at the festival will demonstrate instances where research has yielded tangible economic benefits. Discussions will also explore policies that foster an innovation-driven economy, emphasizing the profound link between research and sustainable development.
The Kenya National Research Festival is designed to raise awareness of the diverse range of research activities within the country and beyond, focusing on initiatives that contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
