UR partner with INGSA in a major conference featuring global leaders in evidence to policy provision

Over 200 government delegates, policy advisors, along with researchers from around the globe, gathered for the 5th International Network for Governmental Science Advice (INGSA) conference, which took place in Kigali. Over two days, they engaged in discussions on transformation, expanded evidence, and inclusion. The prestigious conference was organized in partnership with the University of Rwanda (UR). It was held under the theme : "The Transformation Imperative : Expanded Evidence for Inclusive Policies in Diverse Contexts.

Prime Minister Dr. Edourd Ngirente

Speaking during the conference, Prime Minister Dr. Edourd Ngirente who was the official guest noted that hosting the conference in Kigali demonstrates the importance Rwanda allocates to innovation and science and technology.

He emphasized the government’s investment in both human capital and infrastructure to harness the potential of science and technology for national development.

Prof. Didas Kayihura, the UR Vice-Chancellor

Prof. Didas Kayihura, the UR Vice-Chancellor praised INGSA for choosing Rwanda and UR as hosts for the conference. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and networking in leveraging emerging technologies to create impactful ecosystems driven by reliable data and knowledge, which can inform credible science advice for organizations and governments.

Prof. Rémi Quirion, President of INGSA

Prof. Rémi Quirion, President of INGSA, commended UR for its support and partnership in organizing the conference.

He stressed the critical role of open science and data accessibility in shaping evidence-informed policies, especially in the context of achieving UN sustainable development goals at various levels.

The International Network for Governmental Science Advice (INGSA) is a collaborative platform for policy exchange, capacity building, and research across diverse global science advisory organisations and national systems. Through workshops, conferences and a growing catalogue of tools and guidance, the network aims to enhance the global knowledge-to-policy interface to improve the potential for evidence-informed policy formation at sub-national, national and transnational levels.

A section of Participants who attended the conference