About Conference

 CALL FOR PAPERS

2026 Annual Conference of the Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST 2026)

Theme:
Redefining Progress, Global Challenges, Local Solutions: Science and Innovation for a Better Future

Date: August 17 – 21, 2026
Venue: Kigali Independent University, Kigali, Rwanda
Organizer: Kigali Institute of Science & Technology (KIST)

Conference Overview

The 2026 Annual Conference of the Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) will convene scholars, researchers, policymakers, innovators, and practitioners to address the pressing question of how science and innovation can drive local solutions to global challenges.

In today’s interconnected world, societies face profound transformations shaped by climate change, rapid urbanization, resource pressures, demographic shifts, and technological change. Science and technology are critical to overcoming these challenges, but their impact depends on how knowledge is applied, adapted, and governed within local contexts.

This conference is designed to bridge the gap between global scientific research and local community needs. It will highlight pathways where science can serve as a driver of inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, resilience, and innovation-led development. By combining rigorous academic debate with practical policy and community perspectives, KIST 2026 provides a platform to rethink the role of research and innovation in shaping a better future for Africa and the world.

The program will feature peer-reviewed paper presentations, keynote addresses, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and policy roundtables. It will also provide opportunities for students, young researchers, and professionals to share their work, connect with global networks, and build partnerships that advance sustainable scientific solutions.

Expected Outcomes

• Advance academic and applied knowledge on science-driven development.
• Highlight local innovations that address global sustainability and resilience challenges.
• Strengthen collaboration between universities, industry, government, and communities.
• Provide actionable policy recommendations on integrating science into national development strategies.
• Publish accepted papers in the KIST Annual Conference Proceedings (ISSN pending).

 Conference Modules & Sub-Themes

Science and Global Challenges

• Climate change, environment, and sustainable ecosystems
• Global health challenges and local biomedical solutions
• Energy transitions and renewable technologies
• Food security and agricultural innovations

Innovation, Technology, and Industrialization

• Science, research, and industrial competitiveness
• Engineering solutions for infrastructure and urbanization
• Digital transformation and the knowledge economy
• University–industry partnerships for innovation ecosystems

Local Solutions and Community-Based Innovation

• Harnessing indigenous knowledge systems
• Grassroots innovation for rural development
• Science for poverty alleviation and inclusive growth
• Social entrepreneurship and local adaptation strategies

 Education, Research, and Knowledge Transfer

• Building STEM capacity in higher education
• Curriculum reforms for scientific and technological competitiveness
• Promoting research culture in universities
• Knowledge transfer between academia, industry, and government

Governance, Policy, and Science Diplomacy

• Science and technology policy frameworks
• Regional and international cooperation in research
• Financing innovation and research for development
• Ethics, equity, and governance of scientific progress

Youth, Gender, and the Future of Science

• Empowering young scientists and innovators
• Women in science, technology, and leadership
• Gender-responsive research and innovation
• Future skills for the next generation of researchers

Submission Guidelines

• Abstracts: 250–300 words (title, author(s), affiliation, keywords)
• Full Papers: 5,000–8,000 words, APA or Harvard referencing style
• Review Process: Double-blind peer review by the Academic Committee
• Proceedings: Accepted papers will be published in the KIST Annual Conference Proceedings. Selected papers may be recommended for partner journals.

📅 Important Dates

• Abstract Submission Deadline: May 31, 2026
• Notification of Acceptance: June 20, 2026
• Full Paper Submission Deadline: July 25, 2026
• Conference Dates: August 17 – 21, 2026

Program Outline

Day 1 – August 17, 2026

• Registration & Opening Ceremony
• Keynote: Science and Innovation for Global Resilience
• Plenary I: Global Challenges, Local Perspectives

Day 2 – August 18, 2026

• Academic Paper Presentations (Science, Climate, Health)
• Panel: Industrialization and Innovation for Development

Day 3 – August 19, 2026

• Workshops: Local Solutions and Community-Based Innovation
• Roundtable: Education, STEM, and Knowledge Transfer

Day 4 – August 20, 2026

• Academic Presentations (continued)
• Panel: Policy, Governance, and Science Diplomacy

Day 5 – August 21, 2026

• Closing Plenary: Youth, Gender, and the Future of Science in Africa
• Adoption of Conference Resolutions
• Closing Ceremony & Certificates

💲 Conference Fee

• Advance Payment: $500 USD
• On-site Payment: $1000 USD (Cash Only)
  (Covers participation, conference materials, proceedings, tea/lunch breaks, and certificate)

💳 Payment Instructions

You can make your payment through either of the following methods:

1. Online Payment
   Visit our website at www.kist.rw to make a secure payment.
2. Wire Transfer
• Account Name: Kigali Institute of Science & Technology
• Account Number: 100230719033
• Bank: Bank of Kigali
• IBAN: RW50040100089347577840
• SWIFT Code: BKIGRWRW

Contact & Submission

📞 Tel: +250 734 308 833
📧 Email: info@kist.rw | papers@kist.rw
🌐 Website: www.kist.rw