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:

• 20 oral presentations from deferent corners of the world;
• 13 posters presentation from deferent corner of the world;
• 10 exhibitions on scientists showcasing innovative projects;
• 8 Key Note addresses on public health management of COVID-19, building resilience to health crises, predicting and monitoring COVID-19 pandemic, and on vaccines and the future for developing countries in context of COVID-19 pandemic;
• The conference will showcase progress of scientific programs and incredible visibility of institutions, companies demonstrating their role in prevention and control of COVID-19 pandemic.
• During this conference there will be an awarding ceremony in four categories: Distinguished Research Achievement Award, Best Female Scientist Award, Distinguished Science and Technology Award and Rising Star Award.
• The scientific committee is committed to support best abstracts to be submitted in selected journals for conference proceedings.

 The anticipated outcomes of the conference are:

1. Proceedings including data on digital divide and data on key gaps to address the COVID-19 pandemic and other health threats, in developing countries;
2. Strategies and Programs for driving sustainability evidence-based programs to address the COVID-19 pandemic;
3. Dissemination of the best findings, and conference proceedings
4. Provide Awards to best abstracts in the category of:

• Distinguished Research Achievement Award
• Best Female Scientist Award
• Distinguished Science and Technology Award &
• Rising Star Award.
  

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