Meet Our Organizing Committee
Dr. Marie Chantal CYULINYANA
Chair of the Scientific organizing committee
Dr. Marie Chantal CYULINYANA
Chair of the Scientific organizing committee
Dr. Marie Chantal CYULINYANA is a Science and Technology Foresight Analyst at Rwanda National Council for Science and Technology (NCST). Prior to this position she was a lecturer at the University of Rwanda, College of Science and Technology (UR-CST). She holds a PhD degree in Physics from University of Johannesburg, South Africa and she did two years post doctorate at university of Witwatersrand. Her special research interests are in Applied Physics: modeling and optimization of solar energy technologies.
She is an active researcher in physics and renewable energy fields, especially in solar energy.
She is currently the president of the Rwandan Association for Women in Science and Engineering (RAWISE). She is a member of the Rwanda Academy of Sciences, founding member of the Rwanda Young Academy of Science and a member of various international organizations having STEM in their mandate.
Dr. Japhet Niyobuhungiro
Research and Development Analyst at the Rwanda National Council for Science and Technology (NCST)
Dr. Japhet Niyobuhungiro
Research and Development Analyst at the Rwanda National Council for Science and Technology (NCST)
Dr. Japhet Niyobuhungiro is currently the Research and Development Analyst at the Rwanda National Council for Science and Technology (NCST). He holds a PhD degree in Mathematics from Linkoping University, Sweden. His special research interests are in Applied Mathematics: Mathematical Modelling; Data-driven computational and optimization techniques.
Previously, he was a Senior Lecturer at the University of Rwanda with experience in research and grant support. In 2009, He participated in an Advanced Study Institute and Workshop in Economic Epidemiology, where He took part in a research project “Reducing the Burden of Cervical Cancer in Africa”. He was involved in “Mathematical Modelling of Cardiovascular-Respiratory System for Sportsmen and Patients in Rwanda”; a research project awarded an ordinary research grant by the University of Rwanda and Co-PI of the project “Integrating Learning Analytics in Rwanda Higher Education” – Project within the Mathematical and Statistical Modelling Research Group - funded by the African Center of Excellence in Data Science. He has also received various research grants from European Mathematical Society (EMS) and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS).
Furthermore, He has been one of the project PIs and Subprogram Deputy Team leader for “Strengthening Research Capacity in Mathematics, Statistics and Their Applications” within the Sida - funded project for partnerships between the University of Rwanda and Swedish partner universities for strengthening institutional research capacity at the University of Rwanda.
His Overaching vision includes promotion of Innovation based on Research and Development through collaboration between both the public and private sectors.
Prof. Francois Naramabuye
Professor at University of Rwanda
Dr. Damien SHUMBUSHA
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Dr. Damien SHUMBUSHA
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Damien Shumbusha (Ph.D.) is a Senior Plant Breeding & Seed Systems Expert at FAO. His recent work at FAO focused on the coordination of Hand-in-Hand and TAP-AIS projects. Prior joining FAO, he worked as Senior Research Fellow at Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), Crop Innovation and Technology Transfer Department, leading its national potato and sweetpotato program. He has been instrumental in leveraging both crops' contribution to food security, nutrition quality and income. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Plant Breeding, from the university of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In 2012, he graduated with MSc in Plant Breeding and Seed Systems from Makerere University, Uganda, a scholarship offered by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). In 2005, he was awarded a BSc in Crop Production and Horticulture from the University of Rwanda. His extended and progressive experience (16 years) was acquired from various organizations/ institutions namely, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), CARITAS, "Institut des Sciences Agronomiques du Rwanda (ISAR)", Protestant Institute of Agriculture and Social Sciences (PIASS) and Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).
While in RAB, he led the National sweetpotato research program, at the same time, principal investigator of agricultural research projects such as (i) Development of New Agriculture Technologies in Africa (DONATA), (ii) Improving Food Security through scaling up Newly Released Varieties, (iii) Sweetpotato Action for Security and Health in Africa-Rwanda (SASHA), (iv)) AGRA-Rwanda sweetpotato breeding project, (v) Integrating ICT in commercial production of clean seed, and many more. In 2013, he officially released six new high-yielding sweetpotato varieties namely RW11-17, RW11-1860, RW11-2419, RW11-2560, RW11-2910 and RW11- 4923. He has published more than 15 original papers in peer-reviewed journals, and he is a reviewer for various journals. He is a member of the African Potato Association (APA) since 2012.
Dr. Marc Antoine NDISANZE
Biotechnology department / INES-Ruhengeri
Dr. Esperance MUNGANYINKA
NCST, Head of NRIF Department
Dr.Louis SIBOMANA
Head of the Science, Technology Development and Outreach (STDO) Department
Dr. Valens NIYIGENA, RICA
Director of Extension Department
Dr. Valens NIYIGENA, RICA
Director of Extension Department
Dr. Niyigena holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of Rwanda as well as a master’s degree and a doctoral degree in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Arkansas, in the United States. He currently works as the Director of Extension and Applied Research at Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA). Prior to joining RICA, he worked as assistant professor and state animal science extension specialist for Alabama Cooperative Extension at Alabama A&M University, in the United States. Dr. Niyigena assumed other different roles through his career such as working as a Postdoctoral researcher for United States Department of Agriculture, Managing Director for Upwards Consulting Ltd, and Technical Farmer Field School Assistant at Rwanda Agriculture Board. His research interest focuses on dietary manipulations to improve animal feed use efficiency and mitigate negative impacts of livestock production systems to the environment. Dr. Valens has international experience in developing extension programs that help farmers access research-based information required to improve their farm operations. He is a member of several professional organizations including the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA), American Society of Animal Science (ASAS), and Fulbright Alumnae Association. He has published multiple scientific journals on sustainable livestock production systems.
Mr. Olivier FAIDA
RAB-SPIU, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
Mr. Anselme Sano
NCST, Community Outreach Specialist
Mr. Anselme Sano
NCST, Community Outreach Specialist
Mr. Sano Anselme is the Community Outreach Specialist for Rwanda National Council for Science and Technology (NCST), since 2017. Prior to joining NCST, Mr. SANO Anselme served the University of Rwanda (UR) as the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist for the College of Science and Technology (CST) and Coordinator of planning activities for the University of Rwanda. Before the merger of different Colleges of the University of Rwanda, Sano Anselme served the Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) at different capacities. He was the Director of Planning and Development from 2009 to 2015. He was also the Director for Continuous Training, a position he joined after serving the institution in the capacities of Director of Administration, Head of Human Resources and Executive Assistant to the Rector respectively. Sano Anselme has also worked for an international organization, TROCAIRE, as its representative in the South Province, post joined after serving the former Institute for Agricultural Sciences of Rwanda in the capacity of head of laboratory for research in plants and soil chemistry.
Sano Anselme holds a master’s degree in Communications Management obtained in 2011 and a bachelor’s degree in organic chemistry obtained in 1992, with a major interest in medicinal and essential oil plants. As part of his trainings and awards, Sano Anselme has been awarded various local and international certificates including (1) a Certificate in Leadership and Change Management, 2014 (local), Certificate in strategic planning and management, 2014 (local), Certificate in Education for Sustainable development, 2009 (International – obtained in Sweden), Certificate in Records management, 2008 (International-obtained in Sweden), Certificate of Expert in E-Learning, 2008 (local), Certificate in Wetlands for water quality, 2007 (international - from UNESCO-IHE), financial and strategic management of universities, 2005 (international-IIPE France), Post-harvest technology, 1994 (international – from JKUAT), Certificate in production and use of organic matter, 1993 (International – Bayreuth University/Germany).
From 2017 to 2022, Mr. Sano Anselme has acquired a wide experience in science communication and community outreach activities handling and he understands very well the role and importance of STI outreach activities to support the development of science and technology for future sustainable development of countries especially those under development. He is in charge of designing and implementing needs-based and integrated community outreach programs with fields activities for the promotion and dissemination of Science, Technology, Research and Innovation (STRI) Products in society; conducting a regular mapping of STRI-related activities in priority sectors and assess technology adoption by the community, work with relevant stakeholders to promote STRI awareness among the youth, with special attention to women inclusion and Rwandan culture, last but not least, developing an efficiency media communication strategy for STRI public awareness.
In terms of professional bodies and membership experiences, Mr. Sano Anselme has been a member of the USA Fulbright Scholarship Selection Committee – 2010, Member of the organizing Committee for the Rwanda-Uganda Education Expo 2008 and Vice-Chairman & Board member of COPEDU Plc (Microfinance Institution operating in Rwanda) for 13 years.
Dr. Didacienne MUKANYILIGIRA
NCST, Technology Innovation and Intellectual Property Analyst
Ms. Diana UMULISA
Advisor to the Executive Secretary, NCST
Mr. Hubert KAGERUKA, NIRDA,
Ag. Head of Research & Industrial Development
Dr. Athanase NDUWUMUREMYI
Research & Technology Transfer/Senior Scientist/ RAB
Dr. Athanase NDUWUMUREMYI
Research & Technology Transfer/Senior Scientist/ RAB
Coordinator of Roots & Tubers Program/ Senior Scientist at Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resource Development Board (RAB), VIRCA Plus Rwanda Project coordinator and OFAB Rwanda Chapter Chairperson Experienced agriculture expert with a demonstrated history of working in crop improvement, crop seed system, food production industry, agriculture, soil and water management, plant nutrition, project management, university teaching, Skilled in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Data Analysis, Strategic Planning, and loby and advocacy, science communication and strong agricultural research.
Mr. Juvenal MASABO
RAB-SPIU, Knowledge Management and Communication Specialist
Mr. Benjamin NABAANA
NCST, STI Strategic Partnership Specialist
Mr. Benjamin NABAANA
NCST, STI Strategic Partnership Specialist
Benjamin Nabaana is currently serving as the STI Strategic Partnership Specialist at the National Council for Science and technology (NCST), helping to expand and maintain NCST’s network of partners and collaborators nationally and internationally. Prior to joining NCST, Benjamin worked for the telecom industry for over six years where he oversaw telecom sites planning, maintenance, and optimization for MTN and Airtel Rwanda network operators. He holds a master’s of science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and an MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology.
Ms. Anitha NISHIMWE
NCST, Secretary to FINANCE
Ms. Anitha NISHIMWE
NCST, Secretary to FINANCE
Ms. Anitha Nishimwe, currently a secretary to Finance at the Rwanda National Council for Science and Technology, with bachelor degree in Business administration with honor in accounting from University of Lay Adventist of Kigali (UNILAK) has been at the forefront of NCST Finances since August 2023. Prior to these roles, Ms Anitha with other team members are organizing this Second Rwanda STI Conference with strong enthusiam to make it successful.
Mr. Jean Louis NIRAGIRE
NCST, STI Regulations and Accreditation Specialist
Mr. Jean Louis NIRAGIRE
NCST, STI Regulations and Accreditation Specialist
Mr. Jean Louis NIRAGIRE is a Science Technology & Innovation Regulations and Accreditation Specialist at Rwanda National Council for Science and Technology (NCST). Before joining this government research-leading institution, Mr. Jean Louis served in different positions as IoT Engineer, AI Analyst, Software Engineer, and making Policies, standards and Regulations in the Technology area. He is currently a member of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute in its ISG Group specifications for IPV6. Mr. Jean Louis holds a Master’s Degree in the Internet of Things from the University of Rwanda.
He is a technology-passionate person willing to step further in research and help young researchers in the field of emerging technologies.