The search for new scientific knowledge
THE Research Council of Zimbabwe will hold the 11th Zimbabwe International Research Symposium at the Harare International Conference Centre on February 16 and 17. As part of the build-up to the event, The Sunday Mail is publishing a series of articles on the event.
RESEARCH is often misconstrued as difficult and boring and only relevant to scientists. The truth of the matter is we all need new scientific knowledge and people you should invest in the new scientific knowledge. Scientific knowledge is relevant to everyone and can be used in everyday life even if you are not an amateur or professional scientist.
For this reason, RCZ is inviting the Entrepreneur, the student, the artisanal miner, the policy maker, researcher, youth, and the University/college graduates to the symposium. Everyone should invest in new scientific knowledge whatever their station in life.
Investing in knowledge
Seeking new knowledge has to be approached with an open mind, which is why we have such a platform as the symposium. This forum presents an opportunity for interaction between the potential knowledge user and the researcher.
It is through such engagements that common interest is built giving birth to great ideas. It has also been proven beyond doubt that companies that do not employ research and development often lose relevance rendering them unprofitable.
Research results are a necessity in guiding SMEs to bring innovations to the marketplace. The Symposium is a worthwhile event and should be attended. This never seen before event is undoubtedly the beginning of a greater and bigger journey towards growth of SMEs and entrepreneurs alike.
It is an opportunity to shift the level of doing business to higher dimensions, including production and access to markets.
The knowledge generators are available to give “hot-off the press” research results.
Youth and research
The youth are the fresh minds and have energy to pursue new ideas and ventures.
In most cases they are always trying to start-up businesses or figure out their true calling in terms of career.
Research results can give guidance for business endeavours.
Needless to say new knowledge can invoke innovation.
Youths should be able to engage their entrepreneurial minds and the Symposium is the ideal platform considering the vast amounts of proposed home grown solutions and interventions on offer.
How else can youths participate in proffering solutions to the societal and economic challenges if they do not embrace new scientific knowledge?
For a nominal fee of US$50 for students and US$150 for other delegates, the RCZ has subsidised the fees to ensure people come and share experience, knowledge and latest research findings.
We want delegates to benefit from the scientific knowledge and its producers.
One may ask why they cannot just approach a University on their own and request ideas for their project or information for improvement of their product, without having to pay.
The process could be done but which university, which department, which researcher?
At the Symposium, the interaction is instant without bureaucracy. A farmer may attend a session where a paper on crop of interest is being presented. They will gain useful insights. I believe the symposium has something to offer for everyone in terms of new scientific knowledge. The benefits are actually innumerable.
Can you calculate the cost of travelling to India to learn of their experiences in SMEs growth or mining and minerals beneficiation versus attending the Symposium to interact with the actual experts from the Asian nation that is ranked among the top 10 in the world in terms of publishing research papers?
Even for those seeking business prospects, how much would you spend visiting individual companies in India?
It is time to weigh the opportunity against the cost.
There is definitely more value in coming to HICC and network with over 30 companies from India and who knows what business deals you would have brokered after the two days.
The registration fee for the Symposium, which by the way is already subsidised should be considered an investment not a charge or cost.
Participation in events such as this one is what successful innovators, entrepreneurs and “A” students are made of. For you to stand out, you need to get out and get extra.
The 11th Zimbabwe International Research Symposium, is that place to go and get extra.
After all the Bible, in Proverbs 18:15, says, “The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.”
This is an opportunity not to be missed in 2017. See you at the Symposium
◆ Mrs Susan Muzite is the Executive Director of the Research Council of Zimbabwe