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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Artificial Intelligence, advanced digital tools and technological innovations
Adaptation methods and climate resilient infrastructure
Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI)
Intersectionality and climate justice
Youth and climate change
Climate policy, governance, and systemic change
Agricultural innovations for climate change adaptation and resilience
5.0 IMPORTANT DATES TO NOTE
Online submission of abstracts starts 19th Feb
Submission of abstracts ends 30th April
Notification on acceptance of abstracts 15th May
Deadline for registration and payment of fees 30th June
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.
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on Thursday 29th May, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Medical Drone Programme, and the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, a collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and the Trauma, Injury, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). Also presented were updates on; Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts, Digital Supervision of Graduate Students, Inclusive e-Learning and Smart Classrooms, and Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).
The event held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building, was on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presided over by the Acting (Ag.) DVC AA and substantive Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Presentations were made by Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu and Head of the Trauma, Injuries, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit, Dr. Fredrick Oporia. Dr. Jimmy Osuret and Dr. Esther Bayiga from TRIAD supplemented Dr. Oporia’s presentation. In attendance were; the Director for ICT Support (DICTS)-Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Betty Kyakuwa, Deputy Chief Security Officer-Mr. Musa Mulindwa and other university officials.
The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;
Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement
Good morning colleagues, members of the press,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important media briefing, where we share compelling findings from two groundbreaking studies that reflect Makerere University‘s ongoing commitment to impactful research, innovation, and community transformation.
The first is a pioneering initiative led by the Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme. This project explores the use of drone technology to deliver lifesaving HIV medications and test samples to hard-to-reach populations, particularly in Kalangala District and the West Nile region. The study demonstrates how drones can overcome logistical barriers, reduce costs, and enhance access to critical healthcare in some of Uganda’s most underserved communities.
The second study is the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit here at Makerere University presents over two years of data on vehicle speed and helmet use in Kampala. It provides vital insights into the human behaviours and systemic gaps contributing to road traffic injuries and fatalities—particularly among vulnerable road users. The study also offers evidence-based recommendations for enforcement, planning, and public health messaging aimed at making Kampala’s roads safer for all.
We are proud to support this kind of research that not only advances knowledge but also drives tangible improvements in public health and safety.
Before I invite the researchers to present their findings, allow me to briefly highlight some transformative developments in the areas of academic registry and ICT advancement here at Makerere University:
Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts:
Alumni can now certify their transcripts digitally through the Makerere Academic Records System (Mak-ARS https://makars.mak.ac.ug/), eliminating the need for physical visits. This user-friendly platform allows access from anywhere in the world, supported by comprehensive video tutorials and public communications.
Digital Supervision of Graduate Students
We have introduced the Research Information Management System (Mak-RIMS), piloted at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, to streamline the supervision of Master’s and PhD research. This initiative enhances accountability, timely feedback, and is now being rolled out university-wide to improve graduation rates.
Inclusive eLearning and Smart Classrooms
Through support from development partners and the Government of Uganda, we are establishing multimedia studios and smart classrooms across our colleges. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to produce professional, accessible learning content, including tools tailored for students with visual and auditory disabilities. This aligns with our goal of equitable, globally competitive education.
Launch of the AI Laboratory at CoCIS:
The newly launched Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will spearhead the development of AI-enabled solutions tailored to Uganda’s socio-economic needs, including localized assistive eLearning tools and context-sensitive curriculum development.
These initiatives are part of our broader vision to transform Makerere University into a research-led, inclusive, and globally relevant institution.
The Senior Program Director, Higher Education and Research in Africa, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Prof. Omotade Akin Aina on 23rd May 2025 visited Makerere University during his short trip to Kampala. Prof. Aina was received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe by Prof. Tony Oyana, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).
During his visit, Prof. Aina met with the Project Implementation Committee, representatives from the Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase I Fellowship Cohort, and current Fellows of phase II. The meeting discussed the progress of CECAP II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics.
Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting.
CECAP II is being implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with four other Ugandan public universities, including; Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Project Principal Investigator was represented at the meeting by the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma.
The Directorate of Graduate Training at Makerere University has equipped several Senior ranking lecturers with expert knowledge in a Training of Trainers’ workshop on “Philosophy of Methods”.
In his remarks at the opening of a 3-day training workshop at Level4 Conference Hall – Senate Building, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “The teaching of Philosophy of Methods gives all participants the fundamentals to extend knowledge to other learners, hence its importance in upholding the Makerere University values.”
Kikooma urged and challenged the participants to also attend and actively participate in the follow up of learners’ training of students, stating that the PhD students need support as the directorate continues to coordinate the curriculum of PhD by-research that was approved by the senate recently.
“To holistically implement the senate approved PhD curriculum, we are coordinating capacity building trainings of all stake holders in a structured approach with the different units of the University. Many more trainings including Training of Trainers in advanced research methods course are on the way.”
He further urged the participants to be intentional in their teaching profession and in whatever they were doing, adding “Apart from focusing on practices as teachers and researchers, we can engage in wider philosophical debates in our research areas so that we are relevant in the society and in the empowerment of PhD research students.”
The participants for the Philosophy of Methods training were from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University Business School among others.
During the same training, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya stressed the need to train senior lecturers in the Philosophy of Methods, saying, “The biggest connection is that societal problems require concrete research to find solutions. Our challenge in Africa is that we employ a short barrow approach to find solutions to problems. This cannot work. We need consistent researchers to solve problems. Lasting solutions to societal issues can only be got through training such as Philosophy of Methods, where researchers come up with new models for societal solutions.”
Prof. Julius Kikooma pose for a photo with participants and facilitators.
Dr. Kanakulya said that Makerere University remains the biggest research University in Africa and philosophy of Methods helps to come up with good research tools that produce good research outputs. “Research has shown that the higher the number of PhD researchers in any given country, the higher the levels of development of that country e.g. the USA, China etc., adding that research is not limited to only medicinal or agricultural related issues.”
He said philosophy of methods, encourages philosophical creativity in research, “It is meant to bring out philosophical generation of concepts, theories and ideas. It is meant to encourage students to question the existing philosophical assumptions and status quo in a given field of knowledge such that new philosophical concepts are created.”
For successful rollout of government programs like the National Development Plan 4, Dr. Kanakulya said that Philosophy of Methods training needs to be integrated into such systems. “Philosophy of Methods focuses on ethical thinking aspects. For example, for a better rollout of the Parish Development Model, we need implementers to be ethical.” He added.
Prof. Sulait Tumwiine, the associate Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at MUBS said, “This is a discussion where new ideas are shared to guide and gauge applicability in the current knowledge diversity coupled with lots of technological development including Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT.”
He added, “As professors of Universities, we need to understand how we leverage on what comes up so that it does not take our space, but also appreciate how we can support growth of knowledge. The Philosophy of Methods training is the answer.”
Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo highlighted that Philosophy uses more of the critical mind than Science. He added that philosophy is more of speculation of the mind.
“Sustainability of philosophy Education encourages us to continue training. Philosophy being the oldest discipline retained special status in the academia as a pinnacle of pursuit of knowledge. All disciplines have major elements of philosophy citing examples in the philosophy of Mathematics and Physics.
Dr. Spire added, “If you do not understand philosophy, you cannot deeply investigate anything because philosophy is the reality of understanding everything. Philosophy is the basis of understanding what knowledge is and how it is arrived at.”
Also participating in the workshop was Prof. Joseph Ntaayi from MUBS, in his remarks he said PhD students need the philosophy of methods training to understand how to best to create knowledge. He added that ontological and epistemological questions that lead to good research design methods can only be answered by this training.
Dr. Robert Kakuru, a Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences said that the Philosophy of Methods training is needed by every graduate student as well as supervisors to critically determine the choice of methods to use in academic research. For example, “If one wants to use a questionnaire as an interview approach, one should understand, why that approach and yet without this training, the why cannot be answered.” He added.