NKUMBA INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE
Themes
NIRC SUB THEMES 2026
Justification for organising such a conference
- To bridge Research and Policy Gaps. The conference will promote translation of research into actionable solutions. This is because many research outputs remain within academic circles without influencing policy or practice.
- To accelerating SDG Localisation, Uganda’s development priorities may be aligning with the SDGs, but implementation requires evidence-based solutions that are tailored to local realities.
- To promote Interdisciplinary Collaboration. Bringing together diverse disciplines fosters integrated solutions, since sustainable development challenges are complex and interconnected.
- To strengthening Innovation Ecosystems, since innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer are essential drivers of sustainable development.
- To enhance Institutional Visibility and Partnerships as the conference will strengthen collaboration between Nkumba University and Ndegye University our partner, industry, government agencies and international partners.
- To provide Capacity Building for Emerging Researchers. The evidence and proceedings will provide mentorship and exposure for early-career researchers and postgraduate students.
Proposal Purpose
The purpose of the conference is to create a dynamic platform for catalysing research knowledge and innovation that contributes meaningfully to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals at local, national, and global levels.
- Objectives of the Conference
- To showcase cutting-edge research aligned with the SDGs.
- To encourage interdisciplinary discourse and collaborative research.
- To strengthen partnerships between academia, industry, government, and civil society.
- To encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge transfer.
- To provide a platform for postgraduate and early-career researcher to present their work.
- To generate policy-relevant recommendations that support sustainable development.
- Objectives of the Conference
Proposed Sub- Themes
In order to have a stimulating research conference on Science, Technology, Education, Art and Law (STEAL), the following sub-themes have been proposed from which authors can write papers. These include:
- Information and Technology
- Digital Transformation and Sustainable Development
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics for SDGs
- Cybersecurity and Digital Governance
- Smart Cities and E-Government Systems
- ICT4D (Information and Communication Technologies for Development)
- Applied and Natural Sciences
- Climate Change Adaptation and Environmental Sustainability
- Renewable Energy and Green Technologies
- Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Restoration
- Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture
- Public Health Innovations and Disease Prevention
- Business and Management
- Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Green Finance and Impact Investment
- Corporate Governance and Ethical Leadership
- Sustainable Supply Chains and Circular Economy
- Digital Economy and Inclusive Growth
- Education
- Transformative Education for Sustainable Development
- Curriculum Innovation and 21st Century Skills
- Digital Pedagogy and E-Learning
- Inclusive Education and Gender Equity
- Research-Informed Policy in Education
- Social Science
- Governance, Peace and Security in Sustainable Development
- Social Inclusion and Human Rights
- Migration, Urbanisation and Development
- Community Development and Participatory Approaches
- Public Policy and Institutional Reform
- Industrial Art Design
- Sustainable Design and Green Innovation
- Creative Industries and Economic Development
- Product Design for Social Impact
- Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Sustainability
- Design Thinking for Development Solutions
- Law and Society
- Law, Policy and Sustainable Development
- Environmental Law and Climate Justice
- Human Rights and Social Protection Systems
- Alternative Dispute Resolution and Access to Justice
- Regulatory Frameworks for Innovation and Technology
Expected Outcomes
- Conference proceedings publication
- Policy briefs and recommendations
- Research collaboration networks
- Industry–academia partnerships
- Enhanced visibility of Nkumba University’s research contribution
Target Participants
- Academics and researchers
- Postgraduate students
- Government ministries and agencies
- Private sector actors
- Development partners
- Civil society organisations
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Very Important Dates
The conference will have very strict important dates in order to realize a very good organization. The most significant dates include the following;
- Abstract Submission: 13th March 2026
- Abstract Review: 27th March 2026
- Full Papers Submission: 17th April 2026
- Processing Proceedings 30th April 2026
- Conference 21st May 2026