Deadline: 30 September 2016
The Research Council of Zimbabwe (RCZ) is seeking nominations for its 11th Zimbabwe International Research Symposium (ZIRS) that would be held on 16th and 17th of February 2017 under the theme: ‘Research for Unlocking Entrepreneurship: Bridging the Gap.’
The Government of Zimbabwe recognizes the contribution of entrepreneurs to job creation, poverty elimination and economic transformation. There is common interest in harnessing this potential. The support of targeted and evidence-based strategies to promote growth of the sector in the developing world is required. As key players in the economy, entrepreneurs need to acquire new knowledge to innovate.
RCZ hosts symposia biennially to bring together researchers, policy makers, industry, commerce and various users of research results within and outside Zimbabwe. The 11th ZIRS seeks to bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and use of research results for the production of quality goods and services.
Objectives
- To provide a platform for bridging the research-entrepreneurs knowledge gap for national wealth creation;
- To enable researchers and decision makers at all levels (including entrepreneurship level) in Zimbabwe and the rest of the world to exchange information, research findings and ideas for unlocking growth potential;
- To promote smart partnerships among researchers, entrepreneurs and other users of research results to ensure application of research results.
Thematic Areas
- Sciences and Humanities: Understanding who we are as a nation, what we want, need and where we want to be in the future. Directing research to deliberately shape our future.
- Sustainable Environmental and Resource Management in Zimbabwe: Improving the way we utilize our land, water, mineral and energy resources through a better understanding of human and environmental systems and the use of new production technologies, as well as aerospace and other sensing technologies.
- Promoting and Maintaining Good Health: Promoting good health and well-being for all Zimbabweans.
- National Security of Zimbabwe: Safeguarding Zimbabwe from terrorism, crime, invasive diseases and pests, strengthening our understanding of Zimbabwe’s place in the region and the world, guarding the proper exploitation of our natural resources and securing our infrastructure.
Award Categories
- Presidential Awards
- Award to a Company / Institute for outstanding application of Research & Development- USD 15,000
- Award to a Female Researcher for outstanding research- USD 7,500
- Award to a Company / Institute for outstanding application of Research & Development- USD 7,500
- Sectorial Awards
- Social Sciences and Humanities- USD 3,000
- Health Sciences- USD 3,000
- National Security- USD 3,000
- Natural and Environmental Sciences- USD 3,000
- Academic Awards
- University Student Research Award- USD 2,000
- College Student Research Award- USD 2,000
- Young Scientist – Secondary School- USD 1,000
- Young Scientist – Primary School- USD 500
Selection Criteria
The nomination must:
- Be supported by evidence;
- Be in any field of the National Research Priority Areas;
- Be based on distinguished achievement;
- Be based on work done in Zimbabwe; and
- Contribute to the attainment of ZIM-ASSET.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can download the nomination forms via given website.
Eligible Countries: Zimbabwe
For more information, please visit 11th Zimbabwe International Research Symposium.