Harare, (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe International Research Symposium (ZIRS), a platform for scientists, researchers and industry captains, among others, to exchange ideas, makes a return next month after four years of absence.
The last symposium was held in 2019, after which Covid-19 forced cancellation of subsequent editions.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to address the 13th edition, pencilled for mid next month. The symposium is an interaction platform of researchers, captains of industry and policymakers targeted at exchanging ideas, showcasing research excellence and rewarding the same.
It has been hosted biennially since 1988 to celebrate research excellence in Zimbabwe and was last held in 2019 after which COVID-19 put the brakes on many public gatherings worldwide. The Research Council of Zimbabwe (RCZ) said the symposium will be held on October 14 and 15 at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).
The symposium will be held under the theme “Embracing Research and Innovation for Sustainable Industrialization” which aligns with the country’s push towards leveraging research for national development. It will bring together over 3 000 policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and international delegates.
“The symposium serves as a platform for the exchange of ideas, showcasing research excellence and rewarding outstanding innovations,” said RCZ executive director, Partson Chikudza. The event will also feature an address by Ambassador Claver Gatete, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) executive secretary.
In addition to plenary sessions covering areas such as social sciences, environmental management, health and national security, the symposium will include an awards ceremony honouring research and innovation achievements across 15 categories with sponsors committed to supporting the commercialization of promising research projects. Exhibitions from young scientists, university innovation hubs and the corporate sector will be showcased during the event.
New Ziana
