Govt pledges continuous support for quality research
KILIMANJARO: THE government has pledged to continue supporting higher learning institutions to conduct calibre researches.
Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adolf Mkenda, made the remarks this week while opening the second Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo) scientific conference held in the region.
In a speech read on his behalf by Kilimanjaro Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS), Mr Kiseo Nzowa, Prof Mkenda said that the government through the Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) has played a significant role in funding research and innovations.
“In line with our commitment to research excellence, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in 2022 launched awards to recognize Tanzanian researchers who published their works in journals with high impact factors.
“This initiative encourages and recognizes contributions of our researchers, particularly in the realm of high-quality knowledge creation, innovations and inventions,” he noted.
Prof Mkenda appealed to researchers in the country to continue publishing high impact journals so as to promote a culture of research excellence a move which he said would encourage technological advancements in the country.
Prof Mkenda further said that through research, higher learning institutions including KCMUCo could create knowledge and shaping the future of the nation.
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“Through rigorous investigations and critical thinking, researchers have the power to find solutions to pressing issues such as climate change, healthcare disparities, strengthening of health systems, poverty eradication and technological advancements to drive economic growth and innovation.
“Education, science and technology are the pillars upon which progressive and prosperous societies are built; they are the driving forces behind innovation, economic growth and social-economic development,” he said.
He urged the participants of the conference to make the most of the opportunity offered by the annual event to engage on meaningful discussions, challenge existing paradigms and explore new avenues of research, such as implementation of scientific researches findings.
Speaking during the occasion, the KCMUCo Provost Prof Efatha Kaaya, this year’s conference themed, ‘Epidemiological Shifts: Navigating Changing Disease Patterns in Sub-Saharan Africa’ drew more than 40 participants from nine foreign countries and the hosts Tanzania.
He said the nine countries included Germany, Finland, Ethiopia, Australia, Netherlands, Kenya, Cameroon, South Sudan and the Central African Republic.
“This conference will focus among others, a wide spectrum of non-communicable diseases as silent emerging epidemic in the continent as well as challenges and strategies related to emergency medicine particularly injuries and trauma”, he said.
According to him, the conference which was organized jointly between KCMUCo and Philips University of Marburg, provided a platform for researchers, academicians and students to share their findings, exchange ideas and collaborate on cutting-edge research projects.
