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WUN’s Prof. Lennie Visits Mak, Applauds Impactful Membership

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The Executive Director, Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), Prof. Peter Lennie who is on a two-day fact-finding visit to Makerere has applauded the University’s impactful membership since she joined the network on 20th September 2020. Makerere has since joining WUN partnered on six successful applications, and is lead partner on one of them courtesy of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)’ Dr. Isaac Newton Alou.

Founded in the year 2000, the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) is a leading global higher education network of 25 research-intensive universities. These are drawn from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Ghana, Ireland, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, Uganda, United Kingdom, and the United States.

Prof. Lennie’s visit to Makerere started off with a morning engagement with the University Management on Monday 21st March 2022, where he was welcomed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

“We thank you very much for the invitation to join WUN. Our staff are now applying for research grants with member universities. This is aligned to enhancing the internationalization of higher education as well as Makerere University’s implementation of strategies to become a research-led University” said the Prof. Nawangwe in appreciation.

The Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (3rd L) and WUN ED-Dr. Peter Lennie (4th R) with DVCAA-Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba (3rd R), Ag. DVCFA-Prof. Henry Alinaitwe and Members of Management after the interaction on 21st March 2022 in the Council Room, Makerere University.
The Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (3rd L) and WUN ED-Prof. Peter Lennie (4th R) with DVCAA-Prof. Umar Kakumba (3rd R), Ag. DVCFA-Prof. Henry Alinaitwe and Members of Management after the interaction on 21st March 2022 in the Council Room, Makerere University.

The WUN Executive Director thanked the Vice Chancellor and members of Management for the warm welcome and commended Makerere for uniquely contributing to the network. He explained that the network focuses on research in universities capitalizing on the university potential with respect to comparative advantage in regions, disciplines, fields and culture. He added that WUN distinguishes itself from other networks by focusing on research as opposed to education, as well as engagements with international bodies and organisations such as the UN agencies.

Prof. Lennie added that WUN through its Research Development Fund provides support to establish collaborative research under four globally significant themes of; climate change, public health, global higher education and research, and understanding cultures.  

Following the engagement with University Management during which the Vice Chancellor presented an assortment of souvenirs to Prof. Lennie, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Umar Kakumba chaired a session during which the Executive Director met with the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT), College Principals, Deans and researchers.

The DVCAA, Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba (L) introduces Dr. Peter Lennie to the Principals and Deans.
The DVCAA, Prof. Umar Kakumba (L) introduces Prof. Peter Lennie to the Principals and Deans.

Introducing Prof. Lennie to the audience in the Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, the DVCAA said the Executive Director is a Professor and Neuroscientist at the University of Rochester. Prof. Lennie is the founding Chair of the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at Rochester, where he has also served as Vice President and Provost.

The DVCAA acknowledged that staff and students had greatly benefited from Makerere’s WUN membership. “Four of our students have been able to participate in the Summer School programme at the University of York, Dr. Dorothy Okello has been working with a team to support the WUN and as a result of initiatives by member universities, a team from the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering as well as the School of Psychology were supposed to go to South Africa before COVID interrupted.”

Prof. Kakumba then introduced Associate Prof. John Mango from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) who has been appointed as WUN Coordinator for Makerere University, with support from the Office of the DVCAA.

During the interaction that followed his presentation, Prof. Lennie clarified that although the WUN’s support to collaborative research falls in the four aforementioned globally significant themes, researchers were free to propose a new theme through their WUN Coordinator for consideration for funding under the Research Development Fund (RDF). The RDF has invested over £2.4 million in the last 13 years, with awards of £10,000 to each successful applicant.

Assoc. Prof. John Mango (3rd R) and Dr. Peter Lennie (4th R) with CAES Deans and Researchers at MUARIK.
Assoc. Prof. John Mango (3rd R) and Dr. Peter Lennie (4th R) with CAES Deans and Researchers at MUARIK.

Prof. Lennie’s interaction with Principals and Deans was followed by a visit to the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) and thereafter the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK). Facilities toured at MUARIK included the Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI), Dairy Farm, Poultry Farm, Agricultural Engineering Lab, Smart Green House – Hydroponics facility established with support from Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and students and staff hostels.

On Tuesday 22nd March 2022, Prof. Lennie will conclude his fact-finding visit to Makerere University with a trip to the School of Public Health (MakSPH), College of Health Sciences (CHS).

Written by:  Ritah Namisango, Mak Public Relations Office

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HERS-EA Seventh Academy

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Participants listen to Prof. Maggie Kigozi deliver her keynote address at the HERS-EA Sixth Academy on 3rd July 2023. Photo: Twitter/@HadjahBadr. Grand Global Hotel, Makerere Kikoni, Kampala Uganda. East Africa.

Overview

Higher Education Resource Services, East Africa (HERS-EA) Academy provides an intensive leadership and management development curriculum which equips women with skills needed to advance their personal career development and successfully navigate the institutional environment where they operate. The goal of the HERS-EA training is to raise the proportion of women in leadership and management positions in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Eastern Africa (Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Uganda).

The program is focused on managing and leading change, human resource development and institutional effectiveness. The Academy prepares every participant to strengthen and expand her leadership skills by working closely with HERS-EA resource persons and staff. Participants will find the Academy to be a safe environment to share confidential matters.

Following six previous successful Academies, the Seventh HERS-EA ACADEMY will be offered in a one-week blended (virtual and in-person) format (July 19 – 25, 2024), we hope you can be part of the success story. This Academy will be a special one because we expect to be joined by collaborative researchers from USA, it will be part of the 10th Anniversary and it will be hosted by Gulu University in Northern Uganda. It will also include an excursion to a refugee camp, to generate further collaborative research ideas and another, to Murchison Falls National Park, for our wellbeing and reflection session; you won’t want to miss it!

Theme: “Rethinking Women Leadership for the 21st Century

Please see Downloads below for details and the application form.

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UNAFRI: Post of Deputy Director-General

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United Nations African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFRI) Office, Nakawa Kampala Uganda, East Africa. Photo: UNAFRI.

The United Nations African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFRI) Uganda Office invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the Post of Deputy Director-General.

Level: Senior Level, Full-time staff position

Salary Scale: P5/I – UNAFRI Salary Scale

Duration: Initially, four (4) years

Nationality: Candidates shall exclusively be nationals of Uganda.

Closing Date: 30th April 2024

Contact for inquiries: See detailed Advert below

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Call For Abstracts: Evidence to Action 2024 Conference

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Call for Abstracts: Evidence to Action Conference, 22nd - 26th July 2024, Accra, Ghana.

THEME: Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

1.0 BACKGROUND

The International Centre for Evaluation and Development (ICED), the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Markets, Risk and Resilience (MRR) of the University of California at Davis in conjunction with the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) and other partners are organizing the 6th Evidence to Action Conference and Exhibition in Ghana at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), Auditorium, University of Ghana, from 22nd to 26th July 2024 comprising two days of pre-conference events/side events and the three-day conference and exhibition.

2.0 CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

The conference would have the following specific objectives, revolving around Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation:

  1. Knowledge Sharing: The conference will facilitate the exchange of knowledge, research, and best practices in resilience and climate change adaptation. By bringing together leading experts in the field, we aim to create a platform for idea generation and knowledge sharing.
  2. Networking: The conference will provide an opportunity for participants to network and build connections with professionals from various industries, organizations, and regions. By fostering collaboration and partnerships, we aim to strengthen the global resilience community and promote innovative solutions.
  3. Policy Dialogue: The conference will provide a platform for policymakers, government representatives, and stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions on climate change adaptation policies. By fostering dialogue and collaboration between policymakers and experts, we aim to contribute to the development of evidence-based policies that support resilience and sustainability.
  4. Innovation and Technology: The conference will focus on showcasing innovative and technological solutions that can support resilience and adaptation to climate change. By highlighting advancements in technology, such as renewable energy systems, resilient infrastructure, and early warning systems, we aim to stimulate innovation and drive transformative change.
  5. Capacity Strengthening: The conference will enhance the knowledge and skills of participants in resilience and climate change adaptation. Through workshops, training sessions, and presentations by experts, we aim to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to adapt to the evolving climate challenges.
  6. Collaboration and Action: The conference will foster collaboration and action among participants to address climate change resilience and adaptation challenges. By facilitating partnerships, collaboration initiatives, and project proposals, we aim to translate knowledge and ideas into actions that contribute to building resilient communities and ecosystems.

3.0 DELEGATES AND PARTICIPANTS

The conference will bring together a high caliber of experts, government actors, policymakers, research institutions, academia, civic society organizations, international NGOs, United Nations Agencies, private sector organizations and industry, global business leaders and entrepreneurs, and the media.

4.0 CONFERENCE THEME

The main theme of the conference is, “Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation”. The theme explores the linkages and synergies between two key concepts essential for addressing climate change impacts, especially in Africa. It highlights questions such as: How can climate change adaptation enhance resilience to current and future climate risks? What barriers and enablers are for effective and inclusive adaptation and resilience building? How can adaptation and resilience contribute to sustainable development and human well-being in a changing climate? How can evidence and evaluation inform and improve adaptation and resilience policies and practices?

4.1 Sub-Themes

The sub-themes of the conference are highlighted below:

  1. Artificial Intelligence, advanced digital tools and technological innovations
  2. Adaptation methods and climate resilient infrastructure
  3. Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI)
  4. Intersectionality and climate justice
  5. Youth and climate change
  6. Climate policy, governance, and systemic change
  7. Agricultural innovations for climate change adaptation and resilience

5.0 IMPORTANT DATES TO NOTE

  1. Online submission of abstracts starts 19th Feb
  2. Submission of abstracts ends 30th April
  3. Notification on acceptance of abstracts 15th May
  4. Deadline for registration and payment of fees 30th June
  5. Receipt of PowerPoint presentations and soft copy of the poster presentation 15th July

6.0 OPPORTUNITIES & SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

The abstract should be at most 500 words in MS Word and double-spaced using Times New Roman fonts 12 pt. It should include the study’s purpose, methodology, summary of findings/results, conclusion, and significance/contribution of the study. The abstract should be written in English. They should be submitted electronically to: https://mrr.piestar-rfx.com/opportunities. If you have more than one submission, they must be individually submitted. We are accepting submissions for:

1. Short paper presentations

Papers are intended to generate discussion and therefore should be based on a recently completed evaluation, with the aim of clarifying issues in evaluation theory and proposing new and innovative evaluation paradigms. Paper proposals should indicate:

  • Title of the paper
  • Name, title and institutional affiliation of presenting author
  • Email and telephone contact of presenting author
  • Papers must be allocated to a specific Sub-theme.

2. Breakout session panel discussions

Breakout sessions will include multiple panelists and a moderator and will be used to present multiple contributions or perspectives under a single topic. In your submission, please:

  • Identify the key point of contact for the organization of the panel
  • In the abstract field, please indicate the contribution of each proposed panelist, and the proposed panel moderator/facilitator.

3. Short poster presentations

An exhibition of posters during the evaluation week will be provided. As such, posters with images and text will be required for display in a designated space. Posters will be expected to depict an evaluation study including key questions asked, methodology, data, findings, recommendations, and conclusions. Posters will be displayed during the conference, and presenters must be available to respond to questions about the poster on display. Accepted Poster presentations will be displayed in the exhibition hall during the conference. Posters should measure approximately 0.95 m in width and 1.5 m in height. Poster presenters are advised to submit a hard copy of their posters to the secretariat a day before/on the first day of the conference. Proposals for poster presentation must include:

  • Title of the poster
  • Name, title, and institutional affiliation of the presenting author
  • Email and telephone contact of presenting author

7.0 CONTACT FURTHER FOR ENQUIRIES

For more information about the conference, abstract submissions, participation and registration, applicable fees, hosting a pre-conference session/side event, please visit our website https://www.iced-eval.org or email info@iced-eval.org.

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