The University of Kigali has established a Directorate of Research and Innovation, a significant step towards enhancing its research capabilities and contributing to Rwanda’s national development. This new initiative is poised to become a cornerstone of the university’s ambition to foster innovative research, effectively manage grants, and produce high-impact research outputs that address pressing societal challenges.
This comes on the backdrop of a University of Kigali Master of Science in Economics graduate winning the inaugural 2022 National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) Postgraduate Research Competition.
The creation of the Directorate of Research and Innovation marks a pivotal moment in the University of Kigali’s evolution as a leading academic institution. This new directorate will drive cutting-edge research across various disciplines, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensure that the university’s research endeavours align with national priorities and global trends.
The directorate’s core mandate includes championing innovative research initiatives, managing research grants, and enhancing the quality and impact of research outputs. By providing strategic leadership and support, the Directorate of Research and Innovation will empower researchers at the University of Kigali to engage in groundbreaking research that has the potential to transform lives and communities.
One of the directorate’s key objectives is to enhance the university’s capacity to secure research funding and effectively manage grants. This will involve building robust systems for grant management, providing training and support to researchers in grant writing and administration, and ensuring compliance with funding requirements. Through these efforts, the University of Kigali will position itself as a hub for research funding and innovation in the region.
The establishment of the Directorate of Research and Innovation at the University of Kigali is a clear indication of the institution’s commitment to becoming a leader in research and innovation in Africa. The Directorate is expected to make significant contributions to the university’s strategic goals, including enhancing the quality and impact of research outputs, promoting knowledge transfer, and driving socio-economic development.
As the University of Kigali embarks on this exciting new chapter, the Directorate of Research and Innovation will play a crucial role in shaping the future of research at the university and beyond. By championing innovative research, managing grants effectively, and producing high-impact research outputs, the directorate will contribute to the university’s mission of excellence in education, research, and community service.
To spearhead this transformative initiative, the University of Kigali has appointed Dr. Kwena Ronald as the Director of Research and Innovation. Dr. Ronald is a distinguished academic with extensive experience in research management, innovation, and academic leadership, having previously served as the Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Kigali, where he oversaw tremendous progress. His appointment is expected to bring a wealth of expertise and visionary leadership to the newly established directorate. Dr. Ronald’s academic journey is marked by a strong commitment to advancing knowledge through research; he is well-positioned to lead the University of Kigali in this new era of research excellence.
Under Dr. Ronald’s leadership, the Directorate of Research and Innovation will prioritize the development of research programs that address critical issues facing Rwanda and the broader African continent. By fostering a culture of innovation and encouraging collaboration between academia, industry, and government, the directorate aims to generate research outputs that are not only academically rigorous but also practically relevant.