UbuntuNet Alliance is pleased to announce the call for abstracts and panel session proposals for UbuntuNet-Connect 2023, which will be held on 26th and 27th October 2023 in Kampala, Uganda. UbuntuNet-Connect is the annual conference of the UbuntuNet Alliance, the regional research and education network for Eastern and Southern Africa. This year marks its 16th edition and it will be hosted by the Research and Education Network of Uganda (RENU).

This year’s conference theme is “Fostering creative and innovative research and education communities”. We invite submissions of abstracts and panel session proposals that explore this theme from a variety of perspectives, including but not limited to:

  • The importance of Diversity and inclusion in fostering creativity and innovation
  • Creativity and innovation programmes that are taking place in the REN community
  • Best practices that can facilitate movement of research to commercialization
  • Creativity and innovation in value added services in research and education
  • Creativity and innovation in connectivity services
  • Creativity and innovation in cybersecurity

Abstracts should be no more than 500 words in length. Additionally, abstracts should be relevant to the theme, well-articulated from problem to solution, demonstrate innovation and should be based on practical experience or original research. Those whose abstracts have been accepted must note the following:

  • UbuntuNet Alliance will sponsor 1 presenter per accepted abstract under the AfricaConnect3 project co-funded by the European Commission.
  • A presenter is only eligible for sponsorship if he/ she is a citizen of any African country and is working on the continent.
  • Sponsorship covers air fare (to and from the conference), accommodation and meals for the duration of the conference.
  • The presenter will be required to pay registration fees and will not receive sponsorship unless this is done.

Panel session proposals should include a brief overview of the topic, as well as the names and affiliations of the proposed panelists. No considerations will be made unless the panelists are clearly outlined in the proposal. Those whose panel session proposals have been accepted must note the following:

  • UbuntuNet Alliance will sponsor up to 4 panelists per panel under the AfricaConnect3 project co-funded by the European Commission.
  • A panelist is only eligible for sponsorship if he/ she is a citizen of any African country and is working on the continent.
  • Sponsorship covers air fare (to and from the conference), accommodation and meals for the duration of the conference.
  • The panelist will be required to pay registration fees and will not receive sponsorship unless this is done.

UbuntuNet Alliance welcomes submissions from researchers, educators, technologists, policymakers, and other professionals working in the fields of research and education in Eastern and Southern Africa and beyond. We look forward to receiving your submissions and to a productive and stimulating conference.

Make your submission here! https://events.ubuntunet.net/event/123/abstracts/

Important dates:

  • Call for abstracts and panel session proposals: 6th March 2023
  • Early bird registration opening: 1 June 2023
  • Deadline for receiving abstracts and panel session proposals: 30 June 2023
  • Paper presentation and panel proposals acceptance notifications: 17 July 2023
  • Early bird registration closing: 31 August 2023