The University of Kigali continues to expand its international research footprint through a strategic research visit by Dr. Ronald Kwena, Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Enterprise, to Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), Spain. The three-day research stay, held from 29 June to 1 July 2026 at the Leganés Campus, was hosted by Prof. Alfonso Durán, Full Professor of Business Administration and Engineering Management and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Digital Education at UC3M.
The research stay builds upon the growing collaboration between the two institutions following Prof. Durán’s participation as Keynote Speaker during the International Conference on Green and Sustainable Development (ICGSD) hosted by the University of Kigali in March 2025 and at ICGSD 2026 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The visit focused on advancing joint research on Sustainable Development and the Digital Transformation of Higher Education, two strategic priorities shared by both universities.
During the visit, Dr. Kwena and Prof. Durán explored several opportunities to deepen institutional collaboration, including the development of joint research projects, international research exchanges, collaborative grant applications, and academic partnerships between the two universities. Discussions also focused on strengthening cooperation in digital education, innovation, and capacity building for higher education institutions.
A key outcome of the visit agreement for UC3M to participate in the international research project titled “Future Learning and Teaching Modes in Higher Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM) Education,” currently being led by the University of Kigali with support from LEARN Logistics by Kuehne Foundation, Germany. The collaboration will bring together international expertise to examine innovative approaches to digital learning, artificial intelligence, and the future of Logistics and Supply Chain Management education across Africa and Europe.
Speaking after the visit, Dr. Ronald Kwena noted that the research stay represents another important milestone in the University of Kigali’s internationalization strategy. “Our collaboration with Universidad Carlos III de Madrid provides an excellent platform for advancing globally relevant research, strengthening academic innovation, and creating new opportunities for staff and student exchanges, joint publications, and international research funding,” he said.
The University of Kigali remains committed to building strategic global partnerships that enhance research excellence, innovation, and sustainable development while positioning the University as a leading hub for international academic collaboration in Africa.
