The National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) has challenged researchers not to stop at publishing but to be innovative and bring out solutions to Malawi’s challenges.
NCST Director General Gift Kadzamira said as Malawi is facing challenges such as weather shocks, food insecurity and emerging health problems, researchers have to rise above the occasion.
Kadzamira made the remarks on Wednesday at the opening of a two-day workshop for early career researchers on Inequality and Marginalisation: Multidisciplinary Perspectives from African Researchers at the University of Livingstonia (Unilia) in Mzuzu City.
She said NCST developed a research agenda which is in line with the Malawi 2063.
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Kadzamira said the research agenda highlights five research priorities including agriculture, health and climate change.
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“Innovations through products and processes that are discovered through research should address our challenges. That can only happen if the researchers move away from publications to innovations,” she said.
The workshop was jointly organised by Lancaster University Africa Research Hub and Unilia.
In her remarks, Zanele Nyoni-Wood from the University of Lancaster said the workshop was premised on fostering knowledge exchange, enhancing research skills and building strong networks among African and international scholars.
“The workshop also aims at providing guidance on research impact, funding opportunities and career progression for early career researchers.
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“Ultimately, it’s not just about publication but the impact they are making in their communities and that is where the issue of innovation is coming from,” she said.
Unilia Vice Chancellor Reverend Timothy Nyasulu said universities were there to serve societies in different areas.
“We do not want just to be people of books; we want researchers for the community. We also ensure that whatever has been written is implemented,” he said
The workshop was supported by the Strategic Official Development Assistance and International Science Partnership Fund.
