Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere-Senior Reporter
IT’s all systems go for the 14th Zimbabwe International Research Symposium, scheduled to begin tomorrow and run through Friday in Harare, where President Mnangagwa has been pencilled to be the guest of honour.
The Research Council of Zimbabwe (RCZ) will be hosting the symposium.
In an interview with The Herald yesterday, its executive director, Dr Partson Chikudza, gave details of the upcoming symposium.
The three-day event will bring together local, regional and international researchers, policymakers, academia and development partners to promote innovation, collaboration and the commercialisation of research, as Zimbabwe continues to strengthen its national research and innovation agenda.
Ahead of the proceedings, Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI) Director-General, Professor Peter Kiuluku arrived in the country yesterday and is expected to deliver the international guest address.
Dr Chikudza said the meeting comes at a time when confidence in the country’s research and innovation direction is growing, noting that the previous symposium was held in October 2024 and that the current one is being held on the heels of the amended Research Act.
“It is all systems go ahead of the symposium and I am glad to say that President Mnangagwa will be the guest of honour, which goes on to tell the level of importance our country places on research,” he said.
Dr Chikudza said the symposium will provide a platform for researchers and policymakers to exchange ideas, while driving research that delivers tangible socio-economic benefits.
“The RCZ is determined that research should not remain in laboratories or only produce prototypes, but should be converted into practical solutions that create jobs and support economic growth.
“Research without impact is just like making noise. We want to showcase research products not just end at prototypes, but also to energise our researchers to commercialise research for the generation of employment and also goods and services,” he said.
The symposium programme will include research exhibitions, presentations and awards recognising outstanding researchers, while also strengthening collaboration among researchers, universities, policymakers and Government structures.
Dr Chikudza said the RCZ expects the gathering to remain a critical national platform for aligning research efforts with national priorities, adding that the event has already attracted regional and international interest.
He said acknowledgements of participation have been received from South Africa, Zambia, the Science Granting Councils Initiative and ESAMI.
In the broader national context, the symposium reflects the Government’s continued drive to ensure that research translates into tangible socio-economic benefits for Zimbabwe.
With ESAMI’s leadership taking part, the symposium is also set to facilitate cross-border learning and partnerships aimed at improving research outcomes and ensuring that innovations respond to real challenges across the region.
From research projects showcased during the exhibitions to awards and policy dialogue, the symposium is expected to strengthen the country’s research ecosystem as Zimbabwe seeks to deepen the role of science, technology and innovation in national development.
