11/05/2026
AE-FUNAI HOSTS 5TH OWSD SOUTHEAST CONFERENCE ON TRANSLATING RESEARCH INTO REAL IMPACT FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu- Alike, Ebonyi State, hosted the 5th Biennial Conference of the Organization of Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), South East Zone, Nigeria Chapter meant to translate research into real impact for sustainable development.
The gathering brought together distinguished scholars, researchers, academics, development experts, policymakers and students from across the country.
Held at the Senate Chambers of the University, the conference was themed ‘’Women in Science Translating Research into Real Impact for Sustainable Development.’’ It focused on the crucial role of women in advancing scientific discoveries, innovation, research commercialization and sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond.
The conference served as the platform for intellectual engagement, and strategic discussions on how research findings can be transformed into practical solutions capable of addressing societal challenges in areas such as climate change, food security, healthcare, education, technology and economic growth.
Declaring the conference open, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu, commended OWSD for its consistency in promoting excellence in scientific research and gender inclusion.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to the advancement of research, innovation and academic excellence, while also assuring participants of his continuous support for initiatives that promote scientific development and sustainable progress. He noted that universities must remain centers of impactful research capable of solving real societal problems and driving national transformation.
Earlier in her welcome address, Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee, Prof. Laura Okpala, described the gathering as a significant academic milestone for the institution and the South East Zone of OWSD Nigeria. She emphasized the importance of promoting women’s participation in science and research, noting that the conference would further stimulate innovation, mentorship, collaboration and solutions to societal challenges.
Also in her welcome remarks, the Zonal Coordinator of OWSD South East Zone Nigeria, Dr Chioma Anorue, highlighted the vision and commitment of the organization towards empowering women in science and encouraging impactful research across developing nations. She stated that the conference theme was carefully selected to inspire researchers in translating scientific discoveries into practical solutions to improve lives and foster national development.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Prof. Florence O. Nduka, who spoke on the conference theme, “Women in Science Translating Research into Real Impact for Sustainable Development.” In her presentation, she underscored the strategic role of women scientists in advancing research, innovation and technological development. She further stressed the need for stronger institutional support, funding opportunities, policy implementation and mentorship initiatives that would enable women researchers to contribute effectively to sustainable development goals.
Prof. Nduka also challenged participants to move beyond theoretical research by pursuing innovations and scientific solutions that directly address societal needs in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, environmental sustainability, education and technology.
Major highlights of the conference were science quiz competition involving secondary school girls drawn from different schools in Ebonyi to encourage early interests in sciences among girls. They showcased intelligence and scientific potential with outstanding performances which saw the students from Faith Academy Secondary School, Abakaliki emerging as the winner, and an excellent leadership award bestowed by the association on the Vice-Chancellor of the university for his impactful policies and programmes.
The 5th Biennial Conference of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing world South-East Nigeria ended with renewed commitments from stakeholders to continue supporting women in science and advancing research driven-solutions for national and global development.