The goal of this hybrid conference is to provide a platform for science, technology, and innovation (STI) players to deliberate on technologically innovative efforts underway as humanitarian responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants will deliberate and examine strategies utilizing available data to address gaps related COVID-19 challenges. Additionally, participants will examine the effectiveness of existing approaches, and shape strategies on research and development (R&D) technological tools needed to address pressing health, social and economic challenges, as well as secure societies’ long-term resilience.
Executive Secretary, NCST
It is my pleasure to welcome all participants to this 1st 2022 Science, Technology and Innovation conference themed “Leveraging the Potential of Science and Technology to Mitigate Challenges Associated with COVID-19 Pandemic in Developing Countries”, at Kigali Convention center (KCC), Kigali, Rwanda.
This conference is an essential global platform to demonstrate scientific progress using technology to address COVID-19 crisis that reminded us several things. First, the crucial contribution of science and technology in addressing the health care challenges, but also in supporting the society and economy in times of major turmoil. Second, the importance of collective demand for scientific expertise and coordination.
This conference attracted abstracts from many countries such as Cameroon, Ethiopia, India, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, only to mention a few. We would like to assure all participants that they will enjoy a scientifically memorable conference on advancements of science and technology such as use of artificial intelligence, data science and robotics to improve and fast-track COVID-19 management, containment and prediction as well as improving human health through vaccination.
We are extremely grateful to the Government of Rwanda’s funding for this Conference. This is the first conference to provide an opportunity for global scientists to deliberate on key important areas of digital divide and key data gaps to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Selected scientists who benefited from Rwanda funding will also present their research studies, as part of current funding of over 90 projects across the all disciplines.
We are grateful to the following members of the Scientific Committee for their incredible work to ensure a successful event: Dr. Marie Chantal Cyulinyana, Dr. Japhet Niyobuhungiro, Prof. Bideri Nyamulinda, Ms. Noella Bigirimana, Prof. Timothy Brown, Prof. Matt Ames and Dr. Isambi Sailon Mbalawata.
Additionally, we are thankful to the globally renown keynote speakers for their contribution to this conference: Dr. Roger I. Glass, the Director of the Fogarty International Center (FIC) at the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH), Dr. Agnes Binagwaho, the Vice Chancellor and Professor of pediatrics at University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), Dr. David J. Kelvin from University of Dalhousie in Canada, Mr. Stefan Leslie Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Research Nova Scotia, Canada, Dr. Claude Mambo Muvunyi, Director General Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) and Dr. Wilfred Ndifon, Chief Scientific Officer at African Institute of Mathematical Sciences (AIMS).
Let me finally wish all participants a fruitful conference. Our goal is that this conference takes place every 2 years, with diverse prestigious awards conferred to highly deserving best scientists in well-publicized gala events.
Looking ahead, each of us has a vital role to play – shaping COVID-19 recovery to a new normal life, placing health and equity at the heart of all programs and policies.
Yours Sincerely,
Eugene Mutimura, PhD
Executive Secretary
Rwanda National Council for Science and Technology
Chair of the Scientific organizing committee
As the chairperson of the Scientific organizing committee, I warmly welcome you to attend the First Rwandan Science and Technology and Innovation (STI) conference in 2022, which is taking place in Kigali from 31st March -1st April 2022. The theme is “Leveraging the Potential of Science and Technology to Mitigate Challenges Associated with COVID-19 pandemic in Developing Countries”. This conference is organized by the Rwandan National Council for Science and Technology in collaboration with its stakeholders, with the aim to provide a platform for scientists and innovators to deliberate on technologically innovative efforts underway as humanitarian responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The conference gathers invited globally renowned scholars who are delivering keynote speeches as well as authors who will present their research findings on the proposed theme. This is an opportunity to network, share ideas and establish collaborations among the participants. This conference is an ideal opportunity for scientists, researchers, engineers, academicians and students from all over the world to bring the latest technological advances and applications in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This conference is rich and valuable in various ways, highlighting diverse scientific proceedings:
The anticipated outcomes of the conference are:
Rwanda is a country known for its breath-taking scenery and is often referred to as the land of a thousand hills. You may virtually tour the country to appreciate its beauty by visiting the following link: https://www.visitrwanda.com/
I look forward to welcoming you in Kigali, Rwanda.
Yours sincerely,
Marie Chantal Cyulinyana, PhD
Chair of Scientific organizing Committee
For each of the themes, the conference seeks to bring together a broad spectrum of researchers from science, medicine, engineering and computer science.
Theogene KAYUMBA
Secretariat
Ms. Umutoni Nina Rurangirwa,
(NCST)
Link: https://risa-rw.webex.com/risa-rw/j.php?MTID=m35998c92dde5e0f6f33bbe5422937546
Ms. Eva Liliane UJENEZA
Chair and Moderator
Dr. Marie Chantal CYULINYANA
Theogene KAYUMBA
Secretariat,
Ms. Umutoni Nina Rurangirwa, NCST.
Link: https://risa-rw.webex.com/risa-rw/j.php?MTID=m35998c92dde5e0f6f33bbe5422937546
Dr. Isambi Sailon Mbalawata
Prof. Claude Mambo Muvunyi
African response to Control and Management of COVID-19 pandemic: The case of Rwanda
WHO HELPS US
The Kigali Convention Centre is located 5 km from the bustling city centre and the Kigali International Airport.