adminSifelani Tsiko Senior Writer
The first joint edition of the Research and Intellectual Expo-Science, Engineering and Technology (RIE-SET) Week, a four-day fair to showcase creative activity and scholarship in institutions of higher learning opened yesterday at the University of Zimbabwe.
Professor Christopher Chetsanga, the chairman of the RIE-SET Week organising committee told The Herald that school children, college students, the public and the private sector should take advantage of interacting with scientists at the expo to understand the latest technologies and systems being developed in universities, colleges and independent research institutions.
“I’m very impressed by the number of exhibitions being showcased by our researchers and the public and the private sector should come and see technological innovations on display,” he said.
“The Expo is progressing smoothly and we want private sector players to come and explore areas of possible collaboration with a view to develop and commercialise some of the products.”
He hoped that the exhibition, which has attracted participants from all universities, polytechnics, technical colleges, vocational training centres, independent research institutions, individual researchers and academics from the region and the Diaspora would motivate students to take up science and engineering as a career.
The four-day exhibition covering science, engineering, technology, arts and humanities, visual and expressive arts was being organised by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development.
Exhibitors from Iran and South Africa are also participating at this expo.
It is running from September 3-6 at the University of Zimbabwe under the theme: “Engagement, Innovation and Diversity for National Transformation and Development.”
Vice President Joice Mujuru is expected to officially open the expo on Friday. The RIE-SET Week seeks to harness research and intellectual work by Zimbabweans both at home and in the Diaspora for national development
It also provides a platform for sharing knowledge, networking and collaborating by stakeholders in higher and tertiary education in Zimbabwe – Government and State agencies, industry and commerce, strategic regional and global bodies, local civil society networks, the public and higher and tertiary education institutions.
The thrust is to provide a platform from which Zimbabweans would find out about the new research outputs being produced in higher and tertiary education institutions.
The inaugural RIE Expo was held in 2011 and subsequent editions have established a reputation as a focal point for new ideas and new practices in research, learning and technological and socio-economic development.
President Mugabe made his inaugural lecture for the expo in 2012.
Two research journals will also be launched.
Online Reporter