As part of its University engagement activities, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will on Friday 9th November 2012 launch the Higher Education Solutions Network (HESN) program, with Makerere University http://mak.ac.ug set to play a major role.

This program aims to engage students and faculty in seven top American and other leading international universities to create and leverage a virtual network of leading experts who will then help USAID solve distinct global development challenges.

Initially, seven Development Laboratories will be established as a first step to creating a global network of students, academics, innovators and entrepreneurs to work with USAID and the Development Community. According to the Request for Fpplications issued 8th February 2012 on USAID’s University engagement portal http://universityengagement.usaid.gov/, subject to availability of funds, USAID intends to fund multiple multi-million dollar programmes to be allocated over a five-year period.