Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente on Thursday, October 19, met with members of the National Council for Science and Technology (NCST) to discuss strategies for advancing research and innovation in the country. The council includes a team of experts responsible for advising the government on the advancement of science, technology, innovation, and research in Rwanda.
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Speaking to the media, Gaspard Twagirayezu, the Minister of Education, who also serves as the chairperson of the council, pointed out that during the discussion with the Prime Minister, several strategies were addressed. One of the strategies is how they train the scientists from an early stage up to the university and in other institutions. Another strategy that was discussed was how research is funded and supported in the country.
He pointed out that they also discussed the link between the research and the challenges that communities face.
"It is important to do good research, but also, it's equally important for the community to be aware of what type of research is being done and what the benefits are for the community,” he said.
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Twagirayezu highlighted that there are key challenges that research and innovation still face, including the capacity of researchers to conduct research and the levels of funding, which are also a challenge.
"Innovation environment also needs to develop in being able to build the relationships between academia, the industry, and also the community,” he added.
Furthermore, Twagirayezu highlighted that the team is currently in Rwanda for their eighth meeting, which was preceded by a scientific symposium held on October 18.
"During the symposium, we had a conversation with researchers here in Rwanda on ways to improve research, and then this morning (October, 19), we had our main council meeting where we discussed different strategies, how to promote research innovation,” he stated.
He added that over the past years, the council has achieved various accomplishments, including the establishment of the National Research Innovation Fund and the funding of 130 research projects, among other achievements.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, October 18, the council awarded four researchers for their 'outstanding' contributions in addressing national-level societal challenges. Additionally, a journalist received the Best STI Communicator Award in recognition of his efforts to raise awareness about science, technology, and innovation in Rwanda.