Connect with us

General

Call For Abstracts: Evidence to Action 2024 Conference

Published

on

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.

General

Advert: Admissions to Undergraduate Programmes 2024/25 AY

Published

on

The Main Administration Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda as seen from the Freedom Square.

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2024/2025 Academic Year.

Each applicant should:

Have the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least five passes, or its equivalent and at least two principal passes at Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) obtained at the same sitting. For day programmes only candidates who sat A’ Level in 2023, 2022 and 2020 are eligible to apply. For evening, afternoon, and external programmes, a candidate is not restricted on the year of sitting A’ Level. Detailed information on the weighting system can be accessed by following this link.

Other relevant information can be obtained from UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING OR CAN BE found on the University Website https://www.mak.ac.ug. Effective Tuesday 30th April, 2024.                                               

A non-refundable application fee of shs.50,000/= for Ugandans, East African and S. Sudan applicants or $75 or equivalent for internationals  plus bank charges should be paid in any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.                                           

 Candidates who hold grades X, Y, Z, 7 and 9 of ‘O’Level results should not apply because they are not eligible for admission.     

How to submit your application                                            

  1. Applicants should access the Institution’s Admissions URL https://apply.mak.ac.ug/
  2. Sign up by clicking on the REGISTER NOW. Use your full name, e-mail and Mobile No.  Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.
  3. A password will be sent to you on your mobile phone and email.                                      
  4. The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
  5. To fill an application form, click on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the appropriate running scheme.                                              
  6. Obtain a payment reference number by clicking on “Pay for Form” Button
  7. Make a payment at any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority                                            

MOBILE MONEY PAYMENT STEPS:                                                 

  1. Dial *272*6# on either MTN or Airtel                                                             
  2. Select option 3-Admission                                                     
  3. Select option 3-Pay Fees
  4. Enter reference number obtained from Application portal 
  5. Details of Application form will be confirmed                                                              
  6. Enter PIN to confirm payment                                                            

The closing date for receiving applications for undergraduate admissions is Wednesday 31st May 2024.                                                           

WARNING:                                                             

  1. Applicants are strongly warned against presenting forged or other people’s academic documents to support their applications for admission.  The consequences, if discovered, are very grave indeed.
  2. Do not buy any other documents not originating from the Academic Registrar’s Office.  Those who buy them do so at their own risk. 
  3. The Academic Registrar has not appointed any agent to act on his behalf to solicit for additional funds other than the application fee stated above.    
  4. Applicants are advised to use the right programme names and codes. the university will not be responsible for any wrong information entered in the system by applicants.                                               

Further details including fees structure can be accessed by following the link: Advert for Private Sponsorship Undergraduate Admissions 2024/25 Academic Year

Further information can be obtained by following the links below:

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

Continue Reading

General

Graduate Forum Concludes with Calls to Embrace Feedback, Publication & Protect IP

Published

on

Representative of the DVCAA-Prof. Umar Kakumba, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Centre) flanked by Prof. Edward Bbaale (2nd Left), Ms. Clare Cheromoi (2nd Right) and other officials at the opening ceremony of Day 2 of the Forum on 26th April 2024. Annual Forum for Graduate Research and Policy Dialogue, 26th April 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The two-day Annual Forum for Graduate Research and Policy dialogue concluded on Friday 26th April 2024 with the Directorate for Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) calling on PhD candidates to embrace the feedback received from peers and mentors as well as seek avenues of identifying and protecting any Intellectual Property (IP) arising out of their work. The Director DRGT, Prof. Edward Bbaale particularly reminded candidates that whereas their papers had been subject to single-blind peer review and passed, additional feedback should always be expected in an academic environment. The Deputy Director DRGT, Prof. Robert Wamala on the other hand called upon candidates to visit the Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO) to receive insights on aspects of their research, innovations and services that are unique and ought to be protected.

Day two of the forum was officially opened by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Umar Kakumba, who was represented by the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. The DVCAA in his remarks reminded PhD fellows that their research will be of ultimate benefit to society when it transcends the initial objective of generating new knowledge, to translation into effective technologies, innovations and strategies that can be appropriately delivered to beneficiaries.

“It is therefore gratifying that this convention has helped to establish a supportive community of doctoral students and promote social and intellectual interactions among students and researchers from academia, industry and government” he appreciated.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi officially opens Day 2 of the Forum. Annual Forum for Graduate Research and Policy Dialogue, 26th April 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi officially opens Day 2 of the Forum.

Prof. Buyinza further highlighted that the current drive by Ugandan Universities to transition into centres of excellence in graduate training will be facilitated by training of high-calibre staff and enabling the development of new PhD curricula. Makerere University in particular, he noted, is currently developing Taught PhD curricula in most disciplines as a way of tapping into crosscutting knowledge that empowers graduates to tackle today’s multifaceted challenges.

He nevertheless urged PhD fellows on the current curricula to embrace the philosophy of interconnectivity by attending research dissemination outside their disciplines and incorporating those insights that help their research address the bigger picture.

Prior to this, the Chairperson of the Annual Forum’s Organising Committee and Deputy Director DRGT, Prof. Julius Kikooma had painted a picture of what had transpired on day one. He started off by thanking Hon. Dr. John C. Muyingo for presiding over the opening ceremony, where he launched the Research Information Management System (RIMS) as well as the Vice Chancellor for delivering an impromptu keynote address, which demonstrated his passion for research and the power that it’s commercialisation holds for driving industrialisation that can propel Uganda’s and Africa’s development aspirations.

Prof. Julius Kikooma presents highlights of Day 1. Annual Forum for Graduate Research and Policy Dialogue, 26th April 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Julius Kikooma presents highlights of Day 1.

Prof. Kikooma further highlighted that papers presented on day one each highlighted the importance of research as an awareness raising tool that can foster implementation of innovations that impact various spheres of societal well-being. Researchers on Day one nevertheless admitted that a lot of their findings never make it to the implementation stage, hence the need for research uptake strategies.

“Noteworthy were calls for multidisciplinary research teams, which were reechoed as a catalyst for championing a broader understanding of the different issues that may impact development, and foster reception and implementation by policymakers at both local and international levels” continued Prof. Kikooma.

The papers he highlighted equally took note of; increasing minority groups and marginalised persons albeit no interventions in sight, the need to close the knowledge gap in different interventions across numerous development sectors, financing for capacity building and interventions so as to create meaningful and lasting impact of interventions, and the need for more bankable data to foster decision making and policy formulation in areas such as health, environment and energy.

Highlights by Prof. Kikooma further took note of; the resourcefulness of community engagement and collaboration in research undertakings as an essential step to foster uptake and use of research findings, as well as socio-cultural biases, attitudes and stereotypes and constraints in the form of resources and technologies that affect scaling up of research efforts.

The Deputy Principal CoCIS, Dr. Peter Nabende (Right) and participants listen keenly to one of the presentations of the breakaway sessions. Annual Forum for Graduate Research and Policy Dialogue, 26th April 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Deputy Principal CoCIS, Dr. Peter Nabende (Right) and participants listen keenly to one of the presentations of the breakaway sessions.

Prof. Kikooma equally took lead in the reflections on mental health and well-being for graduate students. He addressed the prevalence of mental health problems among graduate students and environmental factors that could actually be the source of these mental health challenges.

“It is crucial that we start more open conversations about mental health and well-being on campuses, to breakdown the stigma, to support students to build up their emotional resilience, and to enable more people to seek support from counseling and mental health services when things get tough” Prof. Kikooma proposed.

Graduate students as architects of knowledge production, pioneers of innovation, and catalysts of progress are an integral part of Makerere’s quest to become a research-led university. This position was reiterated by Prof. Edward Bbale’s remarks, wherein he further emphasized, “we count on you in terms of your dedication, your thirst for discovery, that must shape the future of our university and contribute to the socio-economic transformation of Uganda”.

Prof. Edward Bbaale and other officials pose for a group photo with PhD fellows. Annual Forum for Graduate Research and Policy Dialogue, 26th April 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Edward Bbaale and other officials pose for a group photo with PhD fellows.

He called upon PhD candidates to interest themselves keenly in the policies that govern their environment such as the; Intellectual Property Management Policy, Research and Innovations Policy as well as the Intellectual Property Management Office as structures that have been put in place to ensure that their research is well-facilitated.

Makerere University is very resolute to explore and walk the entire journey along the value chain from research and innovation to commercialisation. In line with this, the Makerere University Innovation Pod was established to package and market research outputs and innovations for impactful adoption within communities” explained Prof. Bbaale.

In addition to emphasis that the Innovation Pod is multidisciplinary and therefore open to innovations from all disciplines, he equally reemphasied the need for staff and students to use the Makerere University Press (Mak Press) to publish their work. Mak Press, Prof. Bbaale noted, is well recognised across the globe and works published therein will receive wide consumption and appreciation.

Dr. William Tayeebwa outlines the benefits that publishing with Mak Press accords to PhD Fellows. Annual Forum for Graduate Research and Policy Dialogue, 26th April 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. William Tayeebwa outlines the benefits that publishing with Mak Press accords to PhD Fellows.

Addressing the audience, the Managing Editor Mak Press, Dr. William Tayeebwa clarified that all scholars at Makerere University have the privilege of having their works published free of charge by his unit, and better still, are eligible to receive 20% of the proceeds from the sales of their publications. To practically illustrate the opportunity at hand, Dr. Tayeebwa admitted that paper presentations from the two-day forum were good candidates for compilation into a book that can be published by Mak Press.

He revealed that talks with College Principals had addressed the need to support Graduate Students to publish their work in college-based journals. “The commitment we want to make as Makerere University Press under the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training is to continue this conversation with College Principals, especially to have special issues dedicated to PhD student work.”

The President PhD Fellows at Makerere University (Pf@Mak), Ms. Clare Cheromoi not only thanked Mak Press, DRGT and the University Management for putting in place a supportive environment for the students to thrive but like the proverbial Oliver Twist, also asked for more. She called upon PhD candidates to not only consider university-wide events such as the Annual Forum as a marketplace for their powerful ideas but also an avenue to build lasting relationships.

“I thank you and welcome you all to our training on policy briefs that will be held on Wednesday 1st May 2024,” added the President to the PhD community.

Ms. Clare Cheromoi speaks during the closing ceremony. Annual Forum for Graduate Research and Policy Dialogue, 26th April 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Clare Cheromoi speaks during the closing ceremony.

Prof. Bbaale concluded the day’s remarks by inviting the President and Executive Committee of Pf@Mak to consider making the Annual Forum a Bi-annual event so as to grant even more PhD candidates the opportunity to present their work.

“As the Directorate, we are committed to enhancing such meetings and interactions and we are very grateful that the University Central Management and Vice Chancellor is very passionate, and we received their utmost support financially and otherwise” he added.

Prof. Bbaale paid tribute to his predecessor and Principal Investigator RIMS, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi for ensuring that his idea saw the light of day. He reassured PhD candidates that they would receive priority in the implementation of RIMS, so as to make their journey even smoother.

Prof. Julius Kikooma (Right) with part of his organising committee Left to Right: Ms. Ritah Namisango, Ms. Clare Cheromoi and Mr. Joseph Elasu. Annual Forum for Graduate Research and Policy Dialogue, 26th April 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Julius Kikooma (Right) with part of his organising committee, Left to Right: Ms. Ritah Namisango, Ms. Clare Cheromoi and Mr. Joseph Elasu.

He thanked the Annual Forum and Policy Dialogue’s Organising Committee led by Prof. Julius Kikooma for a job well done in organising the inaugural event, and tasked them to aim higher so as to make future events bigger. He singled out the contribution of the Forum’s moderator, the Principal Public Relations Officer, Ms. Ritah Namisango for seamlessly steering the event, and the Media and ICT Teams for ensuring that the research findings shared at the Forum made their way to virtual audiences both in real-time and subsequent news broadcasts.

Continue Reading

General

Admissions opportunity for International students at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)

Published

on

IIT Indore Brochure cover page.

Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IIT Indore), situated in the central part of India in the state of Madhya Pradesh, is an institute of national importance established by the Ministry of Education, Government of India (https://www.iiti.ac.in/_). At present IIT Indore has 11 Departments and 13 Centers of Excellences in Science, Engineering and Humanities offering various UG/PG, Ph.D. programs in diverse fields (https://academic.iiti.ac.in/academic_program.php_. IIT Indore has established state-of-the-art research laboratories, modern lecture halls, on campus accommodation, health center, libraries, Indoor and outdoor sports complex.

Currently, we have 2800+ students and Ph.D. scholars, 200+ highly qualified faculties. IIT Indore has been ranked between 101-150 in Young University Rankings in THE World University Ranking 2023, and 396th QS World University Ranking 2023 with more than 6500 international high impact publications, over 100 technologies and more than 130 patents. We have also established the Advanced Centre for Entrepreneurship (ACE) to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Moreover, we have signed more than 100 Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with various foreign Universities/institutions across the globe.

We are excited to announce that Admissions are now open at IIT Indore for PG and PhD programs for the academic year 2024-25. This provides an excellent opportunity for aspiring international students to pursue higher education in India and broaden their horizons with intercultural programs aimed at offering academic and research exposure.

Students can apply for admission through various programs sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. These programs include:

  1. Study In India (SII): The Study in India is a flagship project of the Government of India. The SII program offers scholarships and tuition fee waivers for meritorious students applying to the program. Institutes under the initiative offer from 25% to 100% tuition fee waivers.
    Visit the website for more information:  https://studyinindia.gov.in/
  2. Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR): Its objective is to foster and strengthen cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and other countries; to promote cultural exchanges with other countries and people; and to develop relations with nations.
    Visit the website for more details: https://studyinindia.gov.in/indian_council_for_cultural_relations_(iccr) and General Announcements for International Students Under ICCR Scholarships: https://iccr.gov.in/announcement
  3. Additionally, students may apply directly under the Self Finance Category. To apply, please send your testimonials and certificates to acaofficer.ir@iiti.ac.in or geeo.ir@iiti.ac.in
    Kindly visit the following YouTube page to get more information aboutIIT Indore: https://www.youtube.com/@managerir

Continue Reading

Trending